Michelle Coates-Mather
Vice-president Public Affairs @Universities Canada
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WORK HISTORY
Vice-president Public Affairs @Universities Canada
Ottawa, ON, CA
As Vice President of Public Affairs, Michelle leads advocacy and communication strategies that position Universities Canada as a national leader in higher education policy and research. She drives initiatives that enhance the organization’s influence, align with strategic priorities, and advance the interests of Canada’s universities.
EDUCATION
Dalhousie University
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Political Science
SKILLS
ABOUT MICHELLE COATES-MATHER
Public affairs and government relations executive with nearly 20 years of experience advancing national advocacy priorities and shaping federal and provincial policy outcomes across Canada.I have advised federal ministers, CEOs, Boards of Directors, and industry leaders on government relations strategy, public policy positioning, and national advocacy initiatives across the higher education, infrastructure, nonprofit, and energy sectors.Currently, I serve as Vice-President of Public Affairs at Universities Canada, where I lead national advocacy and government engagement strategies representing Canada’s universities. I oversee a multidisciplinary team responsible for policy, government relations, and public affairs, working closely with university presidents, federal decision-makers, and sector partners to advance priorities in research funding, infrastructure investment, talent development, and international education.Previously, I held senior leadership roles in consulting and national associations and spent a decade in the Government of Canada advising ministers and senior leaders on communications, stakeholder engagement, and policy positioning within complex federal decision-making environments.My work has focused on building and transforming public affairs and advocacy functions, strengthening relationships between organizations and government, and aligning policy, communications, and stakeholder strategies to achieve measurable outcomes.In 2021, I was recognized as one of Ottawa’s Forty Under 40, and in 2023 I was named The Peak Emerging Leader in Politics and Government.I’m motivated by bringing people together around shared purpose and translating complex policy challenges into clear strategies that create lasting impact for institutions and the public good.
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