Gitane De Silva is a recognized public policy leader with executive experience at provincial, national, and international levels. Over the course of her 25-year career, she worked extensively on Canada–US relations, energy and environment issues, intergovernmental relations, and complex negotiations. As a sought-after keynote speaker and strategist, De Silva draws on her wealth of experience to deliver actionable insights and strategic clarity on leadership, geopolitics, and the energy sector, grounded in real-world expertise.
From 2020-2023, De Silva was the CEO of Canada Energy Regulator, where she ensured the safe and efficient delivery of energy to Canada and the world, while also protecting the environment, advancing Reconciliation, and providing relevant and timely energy information and analysis. Prior to this, she was Alberta’s Deputy Minister for International and Intergovernmental Relations. De Silva directly served four Premiers and advocated for Alberta’s interests domestically and internationally.
A seasoned diplomat specializing in Canada–US relations, De Silva was Alberta’s Senior Representative in Washington, DC under the first Trump Administration and Canada’s Consul General in Chicago, among other roles. She promoted trade, investment, and energy infrastructure, and was also involved in the negotiations of several trade and environmental agreements, including the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), the Canada Free Trade Agreement, and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
Today, De Silva is the Founder and Principal of GDStrategic, a Special Advisor at Blue Rock Law, a Global Fellow with the Canada Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center, a Board Member with the Public Policy Forum, and a member of the C.D. Howe Institute. She holds a BA in International Relations from the University of British Columbia and her ICD.D designation.