March 13, 2023

Scott Simms New President and CEO of Pearson Centre

The Board of the Pearson Centre for Progressive Policy is very pleased to announce the selection of Scott Simms as the new President/CEO.  “We were very impressed with the caliber of the applicants who put their names forward, and are delighted that Scott Simms has accepted the position to take our think tank into the next decade, building on the solid foundation laid by the founder, Andrew Cardozo, who was recently appointed to the Senate,” said Dr. Karen Mock, Chair of the Board

Scott Simms is a public engagement and media executive with considerable expertise in public policy development, following a career in media and politics.  He began his career working in the broadcast media, on-air and in management, and then served as a Member of Parliament from Newfoundland and Labrador for seventeen years.  While an MP, he chaired two major House committees and addressed numerous policy issues. He was considered to be a collegial MP who worked well across party lines, maintaining friendships across all parties.

“Scott’s background in policy development and cross-party cooperation fits well with our multi-partisan approach,” said Mock. “During these challenging times, it is more important than ever for a thoughtful progressive think tank to bring people with differing viewpoints together, promoting a strong and caring Canada.  At the Pearson Centre, we like to say we bring people and ideas together, and Scott is just the person to lead our efforts forward in the coming years”

Scott Simms today made the following statement:

“I am delighted to join the Pearson Centre for Progressive Policy as its new President and CEO.    I have been impressed by the work of the Centre since its inception and have been pleased to have participated in the work of the Centre in recent years as a webinar guest on important and timely topics.  I look forward to working with the current board on a new strategic plan, in consultation with its members and supporters, and to achieving our short- and long-term goals as we embark on the Centre’s second decade.  These are times of rapid change in Canada and worldwide, and a progressive think tank has an obligation to step up to the plate and take on the tough issues.  I look forward to engaging with the members, friends and sponsors of the Pearson Centre, to do all we can to develop bold and innovative ideas for the future of the Centre and Canada.”