About

Gitane De Silva, ICD.D 

Gitane is a public policy leader with executive experience at the provincial, national, and international levels and expertise in the areas of geopolitics, Canada-U.S. relations, energy and environment, and intergovernmental relations.

As CEO of the Canada Energy Regulator from 2020 to 2023, Gitane ensured the safe and efficient delivery of energy to Canada and the world, while also protecting the environment, advancing Reconciliation, and providing relevant and timely energy information and analysis. As Alberta’s Deputy Minister for International and Intergovernmental Relations, Gitane directly served four Premiers and advocated for Alberta’s interests domestically and internationally.

Gitane is a seasoned diplomat and a specialist in Canada-U.S. relations, having served as Alberta’s Senior Representative in Washington, DC during the first Trump Administration, and as Canada’s Consul General in Chicago, among other roles. She promoted trade, investment and energy infrastructure, and was also involved in the negotiations of several trade and environmental agreements, including the Canada U.S. Mexico Agreement, the Canada Free Trade Agreement and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

Gitane is the Founder and President of the consulting firm, GDStrategic Inc, and the Executive Director of the Peter Lougheed School for Politics & Democracy at the University of Alberta. She is also a Managing Director with Negotiations Collective, an Advisor at Blue Rock Strategic Advisory and Blue Rock Law, a member of the Advisory Council to the New North America Initiative at the University of Calgary, a Board Member with the Public Policy Forum, and a Board Director with NB Power. She is a sought after speaker and strategist who is known for her ability to explain complex issues in an accessible way. She loves talking about geopolitics, Canada-U.S. relations, Canada’s energy sector, how Canada works, and why Wonder Woman is the superhero of diplomacy.