About

Michael Bourque is the Chief Executive Officer at Fertilizer Canada. Prior to joining Fertilizer Canada, 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.

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.

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.

Catherine King serves as the Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Fertilizer Canada, where she provides strategic leadership in communications, government relations, and stakeholder engagement. In this role, she leads a high-performing team that works closely with federal and provincial governments, industry partners, and media to shape policy, build strategic partnerships, and advance initiatives that demonstrate the fertilizer sector’s essential role in Canadian and global agriculture.

Catherine also oversees the association’s member services portfolio, with responsibility for membership growth, retention, and engagement strategies. Her leadership ensures Fertilizer Canada delivers exceptional value to its members while fostering strong, lasting relationships across the industry. With a proven record of developing and executing impactful advocacy campaigns, she brings deep expertise in public policy, strategic communications, and association management to her role.

In addition to her work at Fertilizer Canada, Catherine serves on the Board of Directors for both the Soil Conservation Council of Canada and the Canadian Grains Council.

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.

Matthew Don Trapp serves as the Director of Government Relations at Fertilizer Canada, where he spearheads advocacy initiatives and shares the industry’s critical importance to agriculture at home and around the globe. He works to amplify the sector’s leadership in sustainability, innovation, and food security, with a particular focus on strengthening supply chains and addressing competitiveness challenges to ensure farmers have reliable access to the fertilizer they need to feed the world.

Before joining Fertilizer Canada, Matthew worked in politics and public affairs at both the federal and provincial levels, including as Director of Public Affairs for an Ottawa-based government relations consulting firm and as Manager of Operations and Special Projects for a Minister in the Government of Ontario. Through his work in government relations, Matthew has guided dozens of executives and organizations in navigating Canada’s political landscape to effectively engage decision-makers and influence public policy outcomes.

An experienced political organizer, Matthew has managed campaigns and advised elected officials at all levels of government. Beyond his professional career, he serves as an infantry reservist with the Canadian Armed Forces, contributing to his regiment’s public affairs and recruitment initiatives. He is also deeply involved in charitable fundraising for causes supporting veterans, animal welfare, and food security. Matthew resides on a hobby farm in North Grenville with his wife, son, and two pugs.

As Director of Nutrients Policy, 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.

Working as the Senior Manager of Environment and Product Innovation, on the Policy team at Fertilizer Canada, Sean spends time working to develop effective communications between Government, Fertilizer Canada members, and Industry associations alike regarding environment and product innovation.

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.

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).

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 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.

As Economist at Fertilizer Canada, Emily provides economic analysis and insights to support the organization’s policy development, strategic priorities, and sector initiatives. In this role, she works across teams to deliver economic research and information on trends, policies, and market developments relevant to Canada’s fertilizer sector, helping inform decision-making and stakeholder engagement.

Following her B.A. (Honours) in Economics from St. Francis Xavier University, Emily completed her M.A. in Economics from Carleton University. Prior to joining Fertilizer Canada, she worked at Egg Farmers of Canada, where she supported economic analysis and research related to Canadian agriculture and agri-food markets. Drawing on experience across Canadian agriculture, Emily is focused on providing evidence-based insights that contribute to the long-term growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of the fertilizer industry.

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.

Astrid Furtner joined Fertilizer Canada as an Administrative Assistant, where she supports the organization’s Membership, Finance, and Administration teams. Her responsibilities include contributing to Fertilizer Canada’s e-learning initiatives, assisting with financial and administrative processes, and supporting a variety of organizational projects and day-to-day operations.

Astrid holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Ottawa (2025). Prior to joining Fertilizer Canada, she gained valuable organizational experience working with the City of Ottawa in the Department of Recreation, Cultural and Facility Services, as well as with TD Canada Trust.