Gatineau’s Alex Cool-Fergus joins prestigious Action Canada Fellowship Program
Tashi Farmilo
In a remarkable recognition of emerging talent, Action Canada has announced the selection of 17 individuals for its prestigious 2024-25 Fellowship program, including the dynamic and passionate Alex Cool-Fergus from Gatineau. This diverse cohort, chosen for their dedication to public policy and leadership, will embark on a transformative journey to explore the future of Canada’s resource sector over the next ten months.
Alex Cool-Fergus stands out not only as a Gatineau resident but as a dedicated political organiser and climate policy enthusiast. Recently appointed as the National Policy Manager at Climate Action Network Canada, Alex brings a wealth of experience from various roles in Montréal, Yellowknife, Ottawa, and notably, her own hometown of Gatineau. Her leadership in spearheading numerous climate justice campaigns at both federal and municipal levels underscores her commitment to environmental advocacy and progressive policy development.
The Action Canada Fellowship program, known for nurturing Canada's top policy leaders, offers its Fellows an immersive experience designed to deepen their understanding of the nation. Through this program, participants are equipped with essential policymaking tools and foster connections with leaders from diverse backgrounds. The Fellows will engage with grassroots realities across different regions, helping to refine their leadership skills while addressing some of Canada’s most pressing policy issues.
This year, the Fellows will visit four regions across the country, starting with a study tour in Calgary, Alberta, from June 17-22. These tours are integral to understanding local policy challenges and opportunities, and they will expose the Fellows to the distinct cultures, institutions, communities, and economies that define Canada.
A unique aspect of this year's fellowship is the partnership with Indspire, which focuses on developing emerging Indigenous leaders. Five of the selected Fellows are Indigenous, representing the Cree, Mohawk, Anishinaabe, Mi'kmaq, and Métis nations. This collaboration underscores Action Canada's commitment to fostering inclusive leadership that benefits communities nationwide.
Ayesha Harji, alumna and Chair of Action Canada's Board of Directors, emphasised the importance of this diverse cohort. "Hailing from a broad range of backgrounds, these 17 Fellows will come together in a transformational year to learn more about Canada, themselves, and each other. They will bring their unique perspectives to bear in their exploration of the future of the resource sector," she stated.
Mike DeGagné, President & CEO of Indspire, also extended his congratulations. He highlighted the innovative nature of the Fellowship program in fostering generational leadership in an inclusive manner, which is already having direct benefits for communities across Turtle Island.
Photo caption: Gatineau's Alex Cool-Fergus has been selected as one of 17 emerging leaders for the prestigious 2024-25 Action Canada Fellowship, where she will explore the future of Canada's resource sector alongside a diverse cohort.
Photo credit: Courtesy of the Climate Action Network
