About the Pearson Centre
We stimulate discussion and debate on important topics of public policy with evidence.
What we do
Online outreach
We engage Canadians in regular dialogue through email and social media with, innovative, high quality research and analysis in both in-depth and summary formats.
Facilitate dialogue
We produce debates, panel discussions, roundtables and speeches on topical issues, broadcast live and made available for future viewing.
Provide Analysis
We provide ongoing analysis of political and electoral trends at all levels of government
Thoughtful commentary
We produce commentary, columns and opinion pieces, based on solid evidence rather than a manufactured consensus.
About our namesake
Many of the values and programs we now think of as distinctly Canadian – universal healthcare, bilingualism, multiculturalism, peacekeeping, close economic and military ties with the United States, and the red maple leaf flag – were set in motion or accelerated during the 1950s and 1960s. More exactly, they were the legacy of one of Canada’s most revered diplomats and Prime Ministers, Lester B. Pearson, in whose honour and memory the Pearson Centre was established.
2025: Year in Review
This document provides a comprehensive review of The Pearson Centre’s activities and achievements in 2025, highlighting its commitment to public policy, dialogue, and advocacy for equality and human rights.
Governance
Chief Executive Officer
Pam Damoff
Pam Damoff is CEO of the Pearson Centre and a former Member of Parliament who served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministers of Health, Indigenous Services and Public Safety. She was Vice‑Chair of the Standing Committee on the Status of Women and was a member of several key parliamentary committees, associations and interparliamentary groups, including the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security.
A long‑time community activist, business professional and Terry Fox champion, Damoff is Chair of the Oakville Terry Fox Run. Her dedication to service has been recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Paul Harris Fellow Award.
Board of Directors
Kevin Bosch, Chair
Originally from Calgary, Kevin Bosch is a managing partner of Sandstone Group.
Donald Abelson, PhD
Donald is Faculty of Social Sciences Professor of Canada US Relations, and Professor, Political Science, at McMaster University.
Zita Astravas
Zita is a public affairs professional with over 15 years serving in senior government and media relations roles at both the federal and provincial levels.
Dan Brock
Dan Brock is one of Canada’s foremost experts in government relations and political law. Dan is the Co-Chair of the Fasken Government Relations & Political Law Group.
Jonathan Calof, PhD, Ottawa, ON (Vice-Chair)
Dr. Calof is recognized as one of the leaders in intelligence and foresight. A full professor of International Business and Strategy at the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa and the UNESCO Co-Chair of Anticipatory Systems for Innovation and Venture Creation
Chief Jeffrey Copenance
Chief Copenace is Anishinaabe from the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation in Treaty #3 Territory, in northwestern Ontario.
Kate Dalgleish
Kate started her career as a litigator at a national law firm, then followed her passion for public policy and politics into government relations, working in Ottawa, Alberta, and British Columbia.
Russell Gordon Gibson, Ottawa, ON
Originally from the Ottawa area, Russ is a graduate of the University of Ottawa and the University of Western Ontario. Russ worked as a journalist for the Financial Post Directory of Government and for several years as a reporter with the United Press International news wire service.
Michael Hatch
Michael is originally from Newfoundland and Labrador, and he has a degree in Economics from the University of Toronto.
Kathryn Kotris
Kathryn Kotris has been a long-time supporter of the Pearson Centre, in addition to serving on our Advisory Board.
Louis-Alexandre Lanthier
Louis-Alexandre Lanthier has been Principal Advisor and Sector Lead, Supply Chain & Transportation at PAA Advisory since May 2021.
Dr. Karen Mock, CM, Toronto, ON (Past Chair)
Dr. Karen Mock, a founding member of the Pearson Centre, is a human rights consultant, educational psychologist and teacher educator.
Indira Naidoo-Harris, Toronto, ON (Vice-Chair)
Indira Naidoo-Harris was born in Durban, South Africa. Her family immigrated to Canada, to pursue the dreams they could not achieve under the oppression of apartheid.
Carl Nicholson, Ottawa ON (Treasurer)
Carl Nicholson has been executive Director for the Catholic Centre for Immigrants in Ottawa, Ontario for 28 years and recently retired from that position.
Michael Pearson
Michael is the grandson of former Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Lester B. Pearson and is a resident of Ottawa.
Laura Pennell
Laura’s professional background spans government, media, and public affairs, with experience in political advisory and media leadership.