About

Michael Bourque is the new Chief Executive Officer at Fertilizer Canada. Prior to joining us, he was the CEO of the Canadian Real Estate Association and President and CEO of the Railway Association of Canada.

He has also held senior government relations positions with the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada and Bayer Canada Inc where he was responsible for federal public affairs. Michael started his career in government as a political aide and later as an official in federal provincial relations and the Privy Council Office. Michael studied public policy and administration and economics at Toronto’s York University.
Michael is known as a strong advocate for sensible policy that is rooted in facts and data and for finding creative ways to ensure his members are heard and understood.

He is married to Susan and they have two sons, Alexander and Henri.

Claudia is the Chief Financial Officer at Fertilizer Canada. Claudia joined the organization after finishing the bookkeeping program at Algonquin College and completing a volunteer accounting position with In-TAC as part of OCCSC program.

Prior to living in Canada, Claudia worked for 11 years in the accounting department at Transportes Sanchez Polo S.A., a large transportation company in Colombia. Claudia has a BA from the Autonoma University in Barranquilla-Colombia. Claudia is actively pursuing the CPA Ontario certification.

Kim Devison is a seasoned Director with more than 15 years’ experience. Prior to joining Fertilizer Canada in 2013, Kim lived in Bermuda for six years where she worked for EY in audit and supported six Partners across three countries. Kim holds a B.A. from Carleton University.

Cassandra Cotton is the Vice-President of Sustainability and Innovation at Fertilizer Canada where she is responsible for building a robust program and policy platform that forms the foundation for the organization’s advocacy work.

Specifically, she directs the development and delivery of a number of wide-ranging issues including safety and security, 4R Nutrient Stewardship, climate policy, product regulation, and transportation through engagement with industry members, stakeholders and government agencies. Proactively developing sound policy related to these complex issues helps create the business climate necessary for member success.

As a member of the Soil Conservation Council of Canada board of directors, the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops, and Field to Market Canada, Cassandra supports farm practices that are both economically and environmentally sustainable.

Cassandra received a bachelor’s degree at St. Francis Xavier University and completed her post-graduate degree in Public Relations at Humber College. Originally from Prince Edward Island, Cassandra has worked in Ottawa for over a decade with multiple organizations including United Way Ottawa and the Public Health Agency of Canada before joining the team at Fertilizer Canada in September 2012.

Catherine King is Vice-President of Corporate Affairs for Fertilizer Canada where she is responsible for the strategic communications and government relations for the association. Working to ensure the Federal and Provincial governments, stakeholders and media understand the essential role that the fertilizer industry plays in both Canadian and global agriculture.

Since joining Fertilizer Canada, Catherine has developed and executed campaigns on a variety of programs and initiatives, which have helped her to develop a strong understanding of the industry and its priorities.

Originally from Nova Scotia, Catherine attended McGill University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Canadian History. While attending McGill, Catherine worked at Ogilvy Renault in the Patent and Trademark Department. In 2006, Catherine completed her post-graduate degree in Corporate Communications at Seneca College, graduating with honours. Catherine worked for a Public Relations agency in Toronto prior to joining Fertilizer Canada.

As Vice-President of Industrial Relations at Fertilizer Canada, Nadine Frost works to consolidate and address regulatory issues and shape government policy relevant to the fertilizer industry. Within this role, Nadine provides leadership on environmental policy and regulatory development, focusing on the upstream fertilizer manufacturing and production sector. Additionally, Nadine works across industry members and government to advance the fertilizer sector’s safety and security programs, and supply chain issues.

Following her BSc. (Honours) in Toxicology from the University of Guelph, Nadine completed her MSc. in Chemistry from Carleton University (2015). Her research was focused on the use of synthetic DNA aptamers as recognition elements in biosensors to detect harmful agricultural mycotoxins in the field. Since joining Fertilizer Canada in 2015, Nadine has obtained her Environmental Professional (EP) designation through ECO Canada.

Kayla is a communications professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment. She comes from spark*advocacy, a boutique communications agency specializing in public affairs. At spark* she led the digital and media targeting team responsible for crafting and delivering messages to the right audiences across earned, owned, shared, and paid media channels. She worked on a wide range of files including agriculture, natural resources, defense, health, and telecommunications.

Before that, Kayla worked in public affairs at the Canadian Automobile Association where she managed advocacy campaigns on a variety of topics, including distracted driving, electric vehicles, and cannabis-impaired driving. She represented the organization as a national spokesperson through earned media efforts as well as managed their digital presence, social media channels, and website redesign and maintenance.

Kayla is also a part-time instructor at Algonquin College, teaching a public relations writing and strategy course.

As Director of Product Stewardship, Frank is responsible for strategic policy management and 4R Nutrient Stewardship and product regulation. He engages with key national and regional partners to ensure an increase in the awareness and adoption of best practices by Canadian Growers and sustainability platforms. Frank also works closely with Fertilizer Canada members and government officials to ensure a science-based policy and regulator environment for the registration of fertilizers and supplements.

Born and raised in the Yukon Territory, Frank received a Masters in Environment and Sustainability from the University of Western Ontario before moving to the Ottawa region in 2018.

Simon North serves as the Senior Agronomy Lead, primarily responsible for leading the Nutrient Stewardship programs, including the 4R Designation and Certification programs.
With a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Harper Adams University in the U.K., Simon brings a wealth of experience to his role. He has worked extensively in the agricultural industry across Europe and Canada, holding positions as an agronomist in both government and agricultural retail sectors.
Simon is a Professional Agrologist (P.Ag) and a Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) in Alberta, with a passion for promoting sustainable fertilizer practices and optimizing crop production systems.

In her role as Manager Member Services, Susan is responsible for supporting membership growth, as well as fostering and developing relations with existing Fertilizer Canada members.
She brings 20 years of experience in member services at national not-for-profit associations.
Susan graduated from Laurentian University with a BPHE (Honours).

Matthew Don Trapp has taken on the role of Director of Government Relations at Fertilizer Canada, bringing with him a wealth of expertise in navigating governmental systems at federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Before joining Fertilizer Canada, Matthew held the position of Director of Public Affairs at Sandstone Group, an Ottawa-based government relations consultancy. At Sandstone, he was instrumental in developing and executing public affairs strategies and advocacy campaigns for some of Canada’s leading companies and associations.

His career includes time serving as the Manager of Operations and Special Projects for a minister in the Ontario government, as well as working as a parliamentary assistant for two Members of Parliament on Parliament Hill.

Matthew has facilitated over 100 Parliament Hill advocacy days throughout his government relations career, showcasing his ability to craft effective government relations strategies and campaigns.

His expertise lies in orchestrating and spearheading campaigns that build awareness and influence decision-making. Matthew has honed his skills in various sectors, including transportation, health, agriculture, cannabis, and natural resources.

Matthew has a passion for elected politics and has worked on dozens of political campaigns, including most recently serving as the campaign manager for a provincial by-election and an Ottawa City Council campaign. Matthew also currently serves on the Conservative Party’s riding association board in Carleton, and the Ontario PC riding association board in Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands-Rideau Lakes.

Aside from his professional career, Matthew serves as a reservist in the Canadian Armed Forces as an infantry soldier. He resides in North Grenville, Ontario, alongside his wife, Emma and their two dogs, Max and Otis.

Dustin joined Fertilizer Canada in January of 2023 as Director of Government Relations. He comes with significant political and government experience at both the provincial and federal levels with a strong focus on economic development. He holds a Masters of Administration in Leadership with a concentration in project management as well as 4th class Power Engineering certification.

Originally from Saskatchewan, Dustin is committed to strengthening and advancing the fertilizer industry by advocating the safe, secure and sustainable use of fertilizer to Canada and the world. He is leading the provincial engagement strategy and takes great pride in showcasing the benefits fertilizer can offer.

In her role as Policy Analyst, Katherine is responsible for supporting the development, advocacy, and management of Fertilizer Canada’s policy and programs activities on issues affecting our members. This includes providing support in developing Fertilizer Canada’s official positions on various policy areas, assisting in initiatives to engage with federal and provincial government departments, and the development and delivery of public policy advocacy and Fertilizer Canada programming in collaboration with Fertilizer Canada members and staff.

Katherine graduated with a B.A. (Honours) in Political Science (2019) from the University of Windsor and recently completed an M.A. in Political Science (2021) from the University of Western Ontario.

Working as a Senior Policy Analyst of Environment and Climate, in the Science and Regulatory Affairs team at Fertilizer Canada, Sean spends time working to develop effective communications between Government, Fertilizer Canada members, and Industry associations alike regarding environment and climate legislation.

Sean graduated with a B.Sc. in Earth Science from the University of Ottawa, where he played five years for the University’s men’s baseball team. Following this, Sean received a Graduate Certificate in Environmental Management and Assessment from Algonquin College.

Tram has joined Fertilizer Canada, taking on the role of Accounting Assistant. Tram obtained her Bachelor of Economics in Accounting and Finance at The Economics University of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam prior to moving to Ottawa. She also received her bookkeeping certificate at Algonquin College in Ottawa.

Having worked for H&R Block for numerous years, Tram has extensive experience in personal income tax preparation.
Prior to her joining Fertilizer Canada, Tram has worked for the Ontario Lottery Corporation and The Hard Rock Casino Ottawa, excelling in casino accounting practices.

As a highly motivated, well organized professional, Tram is excited to contribute her skills to Fertilizer Canada.

Building on experience at an agricultural retailer and a strong foundation in customer service, Shelby offers a practical perspective on the agriculture industry and its connection to farmers. In this role, Shelby helps facilitate meaningful engagement and communication with members and stakeholders.