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Team Member Headshot

Patrick Watson

Director, Economic Development

Patrick has worked across the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario in areas ranging from international trade and natural resource development to innovation and Indigenous policy. His work is grounded in a deep commitment to advancing Indigenous prosperity, self-determination, and well-being—in a good way.

As Director of Public Policy at the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business, Patrick led groundbreaking work to support Indigenous businesses during COVID-19, spearheaded Indigenous-led export training initiatives and developed proposals to reform federal procurement policy in support of Indigenous enterprises.

Earlier in his career, Patrick served as Manager of Research and Innovation at Indigenous Services Canada, where he led Canada’s engagement with the OECD on its first global study of Indigenous economic development: Linking Indigenous Communities with Regional Development. Throughout, Patrick has worked in respectful partnership with Indigenous Nations, Elders, leaders, and institutions within and beyond Canada.

Patrick is based in Ottawa and holds a master’s degree in International Affairs (Global Finance and Trade) from Carleton University.

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