Ignatieff's new (sort of) advisers

The tragic death of Mario Lague this summer left a huge hole in Michael Ignatieff's office. Mario was the communications director, but he was also a senior, respected voice around the Liberal table on all matters Quebec.

Today, the Liberals announced how the void will be filled. Patrick Parisot, (seen right)  currently Canada's ambassador to Algeria, is stepping down from his diplomatic tasks to join Ignatieff's office as principal secretary.  Parisot is known to many of us who've been around here a long time -- he was a senior communications guy for Chretien too, back in the 1990, working with Peter Donolo (who's now Ignatieff's chief of staff.) 

As well, Leslie Church (seen left), who had been acting communications director since Mario's death in August, steps into the job officially. Women communication directors are rare in Ottawa,  that's something for folks of my gender to celebrate.

Comments

[Joseph K. Mayer]

Hi Susan,
What wonderful news! I have met Leslie a number of times, and I think she's an excellent choice.
I agree with you about the shortage of women Comms directors. Considering the number of women I have worked with in the Communications departments of various federal departments or agencies, I am puzzled that so few women are in the top job.
Yours,
Joe

[andré dermot]

I am not sure where the both of you have been, but I have been in 3 departments in the last 2 years and each had a female Director of Communications. Public health, CIDA, Industry. I bet if you search around you will find many more - the majority of the employees in the communications shops are also female.

André