Description

Virtual Townhall

Ali Ehsassi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and MP Ron McKinnon 

Science, technology and innovation are essential to Canada addressing both the ongoing pandemic and economic recovery. Join us for a conversation with the Parliamentary Secretary, Ali Ehsassi and MP Ron McKinnon on Friday, June 11 from 10:00 - 10:45am on how Canada will continue to be innovative and address the challenges and opportunities ahead. We will highlight topics on rebuilding a green economy, biomanufacturing and support for pandemic recovery. Mr. Ehsassi will also engage in Q&A with our members.

Pre-submitted questions will be prioritized for the Q&A session. Please register to submit your question.

About the Speakers

Ali Ehsassi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry 

Ali Ehsassi was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Willowdale in 2015.

Born in Geneva and raised in New York City and Tehran, Mr. Ehsassi moved to North York with his family in his early teens. Before entering politics, Mr. Ehsassi worked as a lawyer in the private sector, and as a public servant at the provincial and federal levels. A proven community leader, he has worked hard to strengthen the local economy, bring investments to local and sustainable infrastructure, and support Canada’s strong position on human rights around the world. Mr. Ehsassi has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Law from the Osgoode Hall Law School, a Master of Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a Master of Laws from Georgetown University.

Ron McKinnon, MP for Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam 

Ron McKinnon was elected to the House of Commons to represent Coquitlam – Port Coquitlam in the 2015 General Election and reelected in the 2019 election.

He is currently the Chair of the Standing Committee on Health, one of the most active Committees during this pandemic. He participated in many studies such as the National Pharmacare, the Cannabis Act and antimicrobial resistance. In the previous Parliament, he was a member of the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights. He studied complex legislation such as MedicalAssistance in Dying and other important work on Human Trafficking, Access to Justice, and Support for Jurors.