Shawna Stirrett
Shawna Stirrett (née Ritchie) is Interim Director of Operations and a Senior Policy Analyst with the Canada West Foundation. She joined the Foundation in 2009 and has worked on a number of public policy issues relating to education, economic development in western Canada, the nonprofit sector, environmental policy, energy policy and sustainable urban ecology.
Shawna is the co-author of three books: An Extraordinary West: A Narrative Exploration of Western Canada's Future, was published in 2010 and outlines, in detail, the five areas that we must get right in order for the West to achieve its full potential. The following year, Catching a Rising Tide: A Western Energy Vision for Canada, was released and illustrates Canada’s energy reality and highlights opportunities for a bright energy future. The third book in the Extrordinary West series, A Place to Call Home: Building Community Inspiration and Creativity in Western Canada was published on December 13, 2012, and focuses on what western Canada needs to build and celebrate the artistic, cultural and community aspects of the region to ensure that it becomes a truly inspiring place to live—a home for those who come here rather than just a nice house.
Shawna has a diversity of experience in the public and private sectors and has worked both in Canada and abroad. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Westmount Charter School where she chairs the Policy Committee. Shawna has a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s in Political Philosophy. She spends most of her free time exploring the beauty of the mountains.
Presentations by Shawna Stirrett
An Extraordinary West: A Narrative Exploration of Western Canada's Future