Erin Flanagan: The 'Forrest Gump' of Canadian Climate Policy Takes Key PCO Role
In a significant appointment that could reshape Canada's approach to climate governance, Erin Flanagan has been named the new executive director at the Privy Council Office. This move places a seasoned climate finance expert near the top of government operations at a pivotal moment for Canadian environmental policy.
A Climate Policy Veteran's Journey
When it comes to Canadian climate policy, Erin Flanagan has truly been everywhere. Her career trajectory reads like a roadmap of the country's most important environmental developments over the past fifteen years. From attending COP21 in 2015 when the landmark Paris Agreement was created to working both inside and outside government structures, Flanagan has accumulated a wealth of experience that few can match.
Benjamin Thibault, a senior strategy advisor on climate and energy policy who previously collaborated with Flanagan at the Pembina Institute, perfectly captured her unique position in Canadian climate circles. "(She's the) Forrest Gump of Canadian climate policy," Thibault remarked, highlighting how Flanagan has consistently found herself at the center of critical policy developments.
Technical Expertise Meets Government Leadership
Flanagan brings substantial technical credentials to her new role. As a trained chemical engineer, she combines scientific understanding with policy acumen. Her professional journey includes serving as director of federal policy at the Pembina Institute, a respected clean energy think tank, followed by policy roles at both Natural Resources Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada between 2018 and 2021.
Most recently, she contributed to the Public Sector Pension Investment Board, where she played an instrumental role in launching the Canada Growth Fund. This government-funded investment vehicle aims to accelerate projects that reduce carbon emissions, demonstrating Flanagan's experience at the intersection of climate action and financial mechanisms.
Strategic Appointment During Policy Transition
The timing of Flanagan's appointment is particularly noteworthy. Michael Sabia, the clerk of the Privy Council, hired Flanagan in early January to serve as executive director of his office. According to PCO spokesperson Pierre Cuguen, Flanagan will "help to coordinate activities related to the organizational and policy work" of Sabia.
This appointment comes as Canada's climate policy undergoes significant reevaluation. The government has faced substantial criticism from environmental advocates for dismantling certain emissions-reduction regulations, making Flanagan's technical and policy expertise especially valuable.
Industry Perspectives on the Appointment
Ed Whittingham, former executive director of Pembina Institute, noted the similarities between Flanagan's career path and that of her new boss. Both demonstrate the ability to "flip seamlessly between the public and private sectors," a quality that could prove invaluable in navigating complex climate challenges.
Whittingham described Flanagan as an "interdisciplinary thinker and actor" with a sharp strategic intellect. "She'll be a real credit to the government... she's great at execution," he added, suggesting that Flanagan's appointment could bring practical, results-oriented leadership to climate policy implementation.
Flanagan's Perspective on the New Role
While Flanagan declined an interview request for this story, she expressed her thoughts about the appointment through social media. On LinkedIn, she praised her new supervisor's contributions, writing: "Michael (Sabia)'s contributions to numerous Canadian institutions—both public and private—are long-standing and exceptional."
She also acknowledged the significance of her new position, stating: "I am honoured (and daunted!) by the chance to help him scale his leadership and impact at the Privy Council Office at this important juncture for Canada." Flanagan is taking leave from her role as senior director at the Canada Growth Fund to assume her responsibilities at the PCO.
Observers suggest that Flanagan's diverse background—spanning climate science, finance, and government policy—positions her uniquely to contribute to Canada's evolving climate strategy. Her appointment represents a potential strengthening of technical expertise within the highest levels of Canadian government as the country navigates complex environmental and economic challenges.
