International Election Monitors Institute (IEMI): About IEMI: Biography: The Hon. Helene Chalifour Scherrer

PROFILE

Driven by a desire to contribute to the well-being of Canadians and to exert a positive influence on events at the national and international levels, I have endeavoured throughout my career to serve my country and my fellow citizens with integrity, professionalism and compassion.

Drawing upon a broad and varied background, I bring a firm sense of commitment to every project I undertake, backed up by strong skills and experience in organization, philanthropy, networking and fundraising.

EXPERIENCE
Principal Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister of Canada, 2004-2005, Ottawa

As Principal Secretary, I was a key player in the management team of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and a political adviser to the Right Honourable Paul Martin. In cooperation with the Chief of Staff, I maintained liaison with the Privy Council Office, Cabinet Ministers and Caucus.

In my capacity as Principal Secretary, I organized a variety of events and facilitated contact and networking between the PMO and the major players on the Canadian and international political scenes. I also personally oversaw all issues related to La Francophonie, including laying the groundwork for the upcoming 2008 Francophonie Summit in Quebec City.

Minister of Canadian Heritage, Government of Canada, 2003-2004, Ottawa

Heritage Canada is responsible for policies and programs related to the arts, culture, heritage, broadcasting, Canadian identity, multiculturalism, official languages and sport. With a budget of almost one billion dollars (2003-2004), it ranks among the most important government departments. The Minister, who reports to Parliament, the Government and the Canadian people, also provides general supervision over several Crown Corporations and their associated panels, including the CRTC, National Archives, Status of Women Canada, the CBC, etc.

Paul Martin entrusted me with this extremely important public responsibility in December 2003 at the time of his swearing in as Prime Minister. One of the accomplishments of which I am most proud is the excellent relationship forged between the department and the Canadian sport network, on whose behalf I lobbied for increased funding for Sport Canada and larger grants to athletes in the last Martin-Goodale budget.

Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert, House of Commons, 2000-2003, Quebec City and Ottawa

Elected by a plurality of 2,500 votes in the November 2000 General Election, I was the first woman in 20 years to represent the riding of Louis-Hébert. As an MP, I devoted myself to the interests of the 98,000 residents of this amalgamated Quebec City suburb, comprising the former municipalities of Cap-Rouge, Sillery and Sainte-Foy.

In the House of Commons, I sat on numerous committees, including Health (2001-2003), Environment and Sustainable Development (2001-2003) and Canadian Heritage (2001-2002), as well as the Sub-Committee on the Study of Sport (2001-2002). I also participated in the Prime Minister's Caucus Task Force on Urban Issues and U.S.-Canada Relations.

Vice-President, East Quebec, Liberal Party of Canada (Quebec), 1997-2000, Quebec City

As Vice-President (East) of the LPC(Q), I helped coordinate the political activities of the Quebec wing of the Liberal Party of Canada. The primary aim of this political body is to promote the role of Quebec within Canada and to foster the economic, social, cultural and political development of Quebec society.

After first serving the Quebec Cancer Foundation as Public Relations Coordinator, I became the Director of its Quebec division, a position I held for three years. Created in 1979, the Quebec Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to improve the quality of life of people living with cancer and their families and friends by offering services related to accommodation, information, support and compassion.

As Councillor on the City Council of Sillery (now Quebec City), I represented my constituents to the best of my ability in their dealings with the various municipal authorities. I also helped bring about an improvement in the city’s financial position and a revitalization of its economic base. The role of City Councillor demands in-depth knowledge of local issues and an ongoing sense of commitment.



		PROFILE Driven by a desire to contribute to the well-being of Canadians and to exert a positive influence on events at the national and international levels, I have endeavoured throughout my career to serve my country and my fellow citizens with integrity, professionalism and compassion. Drawing upon a broad and varied background, I bring a firm sense of commitment to every project I undertake, backed up by strong skills and experience in organization, philanthropy, networking and fundraising. EXPERIENCE Principal Secretary, Office of the Prime Minister of Canada, 2004-2005, Ottawa As Principal Secretary, I was a key player in the management team of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and a political adviser to the Right Honourable Paul Martin. In cooperation with the Chief of Staff, I maintained liaison with the Privy Council Office, Cabinet Ministers and Caucus. In my capacity as Principal Secretary, I organized a variety of events and facilitated contact and networking between the PMO and the major players on the Canadian and international political scenes. I also personally oversaw all issues related to La Francophonie, including laying the groundwork for the upcoming 2008 Francophonie Summit in Quebec City. Minister of Canadian Heritage, Government of Canada, 2003-2004, Ottawa Heritage Canada is responsible for policies and programs related to the arts, culture, heritage, broadcasting, Canadian identity, multiculturalism, official languages and sport. With a budget of almost one billion dollars (2003-2004), it ranks among the most important government departments. The Minister, who reports to Parliament, the Government and the Canadian people, also provides general supervision over several Crown Corporations and their associated panels, including the CRTC, National Archives, Status of Women Canada, the CBC, etc. Paul Martin entrusted me with this extremely important public responsibility in December 2003 at the time of his swearing in as Prime Minister. One of the accomplishments of which I am most proud is the excellent relationship forged between the department and the Canadian sport network, on whose behalf I lobbied for increased funding for Sport Canada and larger grants to athletes in the last Martin-Goodale budget. Member of Parliament for Louis-Hébert, House of Commons, 2000-2003, Quebec City and Ottawa Elected by a plurality of 2,500 votes in the November 2000 General Election, I was the first woman in 20 years to represent the riding of Louis-Hébert. As an MP, I devoted myself to the interests of the 98,000 residents of this amalgamated Quebec City suburb, comprising the former municipalities of Cap-Rouge, Sillery and Sainte-Foy. In the House of Commons, I sat on numerous committees, including Health (2001-2003), Environment and Sustainable Development (2001-2003) and Canadian Heritage (2001-2002), as well as the Sub-Committee on the Study of Sport (2001-2002). I also participated in the Prime Minister's Caucus Task Force on Urban Issues and U.S.-Canada Relations. Vice-President, East Quebec, Liberal Party of Canada (Quebec), 1997-2000, Quebec City As Vice-President (East) of the LPC(Q), I helped coordinate the political activities of the Quebec wing of the Liberal Party of Canada. The primary aim of this political body is to promote the role of Quebec within Canada and to foster the economic, social, cultural and political development of Quebec society. Regional Director, Quebec Cancer Foundation, 1994-1997, Quebec City After first serving the Quebec Cancer Foundation as Public Relations Coordinator, I became the Director of its Quebec division, a position I held for three years. Created in 1979, the Quebec Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to improve the quality of life of people living with cancer and their families and friends by offering services related to accommodation, information, support and compassion. City Councillor, City of Sillery, Quebec, 1990-1994, Sillery As Councillor on the City Council of Sillery (now Quebec City), I represented my constituents to the best of my ability in their dealings with the various municipal authorities. I also helped bring about an improvement in the city’s financial position and a revitalization of its economic base. The role of City Councillor demands in-depth knowledge of local issues and an ongoing sense of commitment. SKILLS Abilities Ability to work under pressure while handling major responsibilities Excellent leadership and teamwork skills Excellent sense of diplomacy Proven ability to manage international issues Strong organizational and fundraising skills Education B.A., Université Laval, Ste-Foy, Québec Directorships Centre d'hébergement Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes et Saint-Charles (Québec) Fondation Rues principales Fondation Bagatelle Fondation Jeunesse Lac-Beauport Fondation Cataraqui Other accomplishments Co-Chair of the Canada-Belgium Parliamentary Group (2001-2003) Vice-President of the 2001 Canadian Sprint Canoe Championships (Lac-Beauport) President of the Quebec 2000 World Junior Alpine Skiing Event Vice-President of the Bell Challenge Women’s Tennis Tournament 1999-2000 (Quebec City) Organizer for many other major sports events in Canada and abroad More Biographies Douglas C. Rowland, C.D., Canada, President Richard Balfe, Europe, Vice President - Program The Hon. Dennis Hertel, United States, Vice President - Finance The Hon. Don Boudria, Canada, Member of the Board The Hon. Jack Buechner, USA, Member of the Board The Hon. Helene Chalifour Scherrer, Canada, Member of the Board Jan-Willem Bertens, Europe, Member of the Board José Maria Gil Robles, Europe, Member of the Board Karin Junker, Europe, Member of the Board The Hon. Jack Murta, Canada, Member of the Board The Hon. John J. Rhodes, III, United States, Member of the Board The Hon. Joseph Tydings, United States, Member of the Board Peter M. Weichlein, Executive Director Back to About IEMI

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