Rachel Samson

Rachel Samson is a policy research executive with 23 years of experience providing evidence-based policy advice. Rachel spent 15 years as an economist and executive with the federal government, working at Finance Canada, Environment Canada, Natural Resources Canada, the Privy Council Office, the Treasury Board Secretariat, and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.

After leaving government in 2014, Rachel started her own consulting company. As a consultant, she led projects for clients such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission, and the Smart Prosperity Institute. For the OECD, Rachel authored green growth and biodiversity chapters in Environmental Performance Reviews of Chile, Hungary, Australia, Turkey, and Canada.

From 2019 to 2022, Rachel was Research Director for Clean Growth at the Canadian Climate Institute (formerly the Canadian Institute for Climate Choices). During that time, Rachel led multiple in-depth research reports, including Sink or Swim: Transforming Canada’s Economy for a Global Low-carbon Future. Rachel holds a Master’s degree in economics from Queen’s University.

Recent Policy Options articles by Rachel:

• Budget 2023’s clean economy initiatives need greater future clarity and certainty
• Down to the last barrel?
• Just transition or smart transition?

• Policy analysis and advice
• Clean/green growth
• Inclusive growth
• Climate change, air pollution, and biodiversity policy
• Innovation policy