Assistant Deputy Minister, Innovation Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development
Andrea Johnston is the Assistant Deputy Minister, Innovation Canada, an organization within Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED). Innovation Canada acts as a single-window for business innovation support so that Canadian innovators and entrepreneurs can best find and access government programs and services. In this role, Andrea leads the delivery of several flagship business innovation programs for the Government of Canada, including the Innovation Superclusters Initiative, Innovative Solutions Canada, the Canada Digital Adoption Program, the IP Centre of Expertise, and the Accelerated Growth Service. From funding to expert advice to driving new collaborations, these programs and services are designed to help businesses innovate, create jobs and grow Canada's economy. Andrea is also the department's Diversity and Inclusion champion, driving ISED's inclusion activities internally but also ensuring the Department is taking a policy and program lens in this area.
Andrea Johnston joined ISED in May 2017 to be the Director General (DG) of the Economic Strategy Tables and Skills Branch, where she provided senior leadership on the Department's skills agenda and implementation of Canada's six economic strategy tables. These industry-led tables developed concrete strategies and targets for Canada's economic growth.
Prior to joining ISED, Andrea had an extensive career at Agriculture and Agri Food Canada (AAFC) where she was the DG responsible for sectoral development and analysis covering livestock, grains, horticulture, dairy and food processing as well as leading the Department's value chain roundtables. Andrea was also AAFC's Corporate Secretary.
Participating in: Transforming government service delivery through data and digital innovation
