Grebel alumni and friends in the Ottawa area are invited to an evening gathering at the (Lansdowne Park), featuring a presentation by Mark Schaan (BA 2002 Political Science and PACS) on the government's role with Artificial Intelligence from his perspective as Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet, AI.Â
Mark moved into Grebel in 1997 from Winnipeg and took on a variety of roles including Student Council President, and occasionally worked in the Grebel kitchen.
As one of his last trips as Director of Advancement for Grebel before retirement, Fred Martin will also provide updates from Grebel about events and upgrades happening on campus.
Tickets and Registration
- $10.00 covers appetizers and a beverage for the event.
- is open!
About Mark Schaan
Mark Schaan was appointed Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet – Artificial Intelligence in July of 2024. In this role, he supports the overall AI agenda, seeking to position Canada for leadership in its responsible development and use.Â
Prior to this, Mark served as Senior Assistant Deputy Minister for Strategy and Innovation Policy at the Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED). In this role he led on the overall micro-economic and innovation agenda, including supporting the development of the department's horizontal policy and strategic priorities, including in international affairs, telecommunications, economic security, and all aspects of marketplace frameworks.Â
Mark’s career has been highlighted by this cross-cutting policy and framework effort, including leading major consultations and reforms, including for telecommunications, investment review, intellectual property, bankruptcy and insolvency, privacy and AI. Mark’s public service career has included roles across the policy spectrum, as well as leading on revitalizing the public service through innovative recruitment models.Â
Mark earned his BA (Honours) from the University of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ in Political Science with an Honours Option in Peace and Conflict Studies in 2002, where he studied as a Loran Scholar. Mark earned his MPhil in Comparative Social Policy, conferred in 2004, and his DPhil in Social Policy, conferred in 2010 from the University of Oxford, where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar. Mark is also actively involved in his community: chairing the board of the Ottawa Art Gallery, continued involvement with the Loran Scholars Foundation, and previous leadership at the Ten Oaks Project for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and families.
