Montreal – Research executive and economist Rachel Samson is the new Vice-President, Research, at the IRPP.

Rachel comes to the IRPP with 23 years of experience providing evidence-based policy advice to key Canadian organizations and decision-makers. From 2019 to 2022, she was research director for clean growth at the Canadian Climate Institute (formerly the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices).

Earlier in her career, she was an economist and executive for the federal government, working in departments such as Finance Canada and Environment Canada. After leaving government in 2014, she started her own consulting company, leading projects for such clients as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Ecofiscal Commission and the Smart Prosperity Institute in Canada.

Rachel holds a master’s degree in economics from Queen’s University.

“Rachel’s wealth of experience leading major policy research projects and advising key Canadian and global decision-makers will be a major asset to the IRPP as we look to chart our future research priorities,” said Jennifer Ditchburn, IRPP President and CEO.

“While we’re celebrating our 50^th anniversary and our past accomplishments this year, we’re keeping our attention focused on what’s in store for the Canadian economy and environment. As a systemic thinker, Rachel is precisely the right person to help us make sense of the policy landscape.”

“The Institute has long been a trusted resource for decision-makers. I’m excited to lead a team of such accomplished research minds, as we emphasize the role that evidence-based policy can play in improving economic, social and environmental outcomes,” said Samson.

Rachel Samson’s appointment is effective April 19, 2022. She succeeds Vice-President France St-Hilaire, who has led the IRPP’s research since 1998. St-Hilaire will remain with the IRPP as a senior research adviser.