Fisheries and Oceans Canada Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, administration, financial management, and supply chain oversight.

Committed to the preservation of aquatic ecosystems, Fisheries and Oceans Canada advances sustainable resource management and economic growth through rigorous scientific research and federal policy implementation across all Canadian waters.

Leadership Roles at Fisheries and Oceans Canada

  • Chief Executive Officer - Lindsay Dale
  • Chief Financial Officer - Nancy Wentzell
  • Financial Management Advisor & Chief Financial Officer, Sector & Financial Advisory Services - Kanchan Alamelu
  • Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer and Chef De Cabinet Au Dirigeant Principal Des Finances - Victoria Martineau-Pacheco
  • Chief Financial Officer & Dirigeante Des Finances Principal - Danielle LeBlanc
  • Supply Technician & President, Uew Local 20090 - Richard May
  • Chief of Staff - Alexis McIntyre
  • Chief of Staff & Operations & Strategy) Executive - Julie Châteauvert
  • Director, Chief of Staff - Kirsten Lawrie
  • Deputy Director - Prince Afram
  • Lindsay Dale - Chief Executive Officer

    Lindsay Dale, the Chief Executive Officer at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, directs the overarching strategic vision for federal water management and marine resource protection. Dale architects high-level policy frameworks that balance economic growth in the fisheries sector with the necessity of maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. By coordinating with federal partners and international stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all regulatory initiatives align with national sustainability goals. This leadership role involves overseeing the integration of biotechnology and aquaculture innovation into the broader departmental mandate. Lindsay Dale maintains rigorous oversight of scientific research programs to inform evidence-based decision-making across the organization. Through constant engagement with the executive team, the Chief Executive Officer drives operational excellence and ensures that the department effectively safeguards Canada's vast freshwater and marine resources for future generations while supporting the prosperity of coastal communities.

    Nancy Wentzell - Chief Financial Officer

    Nancy Wentzell, the Chief Financial Officer at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, oversees the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the entire federal department. Wentzell manages the allocation of financial resources to support critical scientific research, habitat protection, and marine infrastructure projects. By implementing robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that all expenditures align with government transparency standards and departmental strategic goals. This role involves analyzing long-term funding requirements for aquaculture and biotechnology initiatives to foster sustainable economic growth. Nancy Wentzell collaborates with other senior leaders to prioritize investments that maximize the impact of federal programs on aquatic ecosystems. Through the rigorous monitoring of financial performance, the Chief Financial Officer provides the data necessary for informed decision-making at the highest levels of the organization. Wentzell maintains fiscal discipline while enabling the department to fulfill its mandate of safeguarding Canada's vast and complex water resources.

    Kanchan Alamelu - Financial Management Advisor & Chief Financial Officer, Sector & Financial Advisory Services

    Kanchan Alamelu, the Financial Management Advisor & Chief Financial Officer, Sector & Financial Advisory Services at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, provides specialized fiscal guidance for sector-specific programs and advisory services. Alamelu architects financial strategies that support the unique operational needs of the department's various divisions, including those focused on marine innovation and biotechnology. By delivering expert financial analysis, the Financial Management Advisor & Chief Financial Officer, Sector & Financial Advisory Services ensures that sector leaders possess the budgetary clarity required to execute their mandates effectively. This role involves evaluating the economic viability of new conservation projects and resource management initiatives. Kanchan Alamelu monitors sector-level spending to ensure compliance with federal regulations and internal fiscal policies. Through the provision of strategic financial advice, the Financial Management Advisor & Chief Financial Officer, Sector & Financial Advisory Services enables the department to optimize resource distribution and achieve measurable outcomes in the protection and sustainable development of Canada's aquatic resources.

    Victoria Martineau-Pacheco - Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer and Chef De Cabinet Au Dirigeant Principal Des Finances

    Victoria Martineau-Pacheco, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer and Chef De Cabinet Au Dirigeant Principal Des Finances at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, manages the executive support operations for the financial leadership team. Martineau-Pacheco coordinates the administrative and strategic activities that underpin the department's fiscal management and budgetary oversight. By streamlining communication between the Chief Financial Officer and other departmental sectors, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer and Chef De Cabinet Au Dirigeant Principal Des Finances ensures that financial data and strategic priorities are clearly articulated and acted upon. This role involves managing complex scheduling, project tracking, and reporting requirements that support the integrity of federal financial operations. Victoria Martineau-Pacheco monitors the progress of financial initiatives, ensuring that all activities align with the department's broader goals of sustainable resource management. Through the application of efficient administrative practices, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer and Chef De Cabinet Au Dirigeant Principal Des Finances enables the financial leadership to maintain fiscal discipline and transparency.

    Danielle LeBlanc - Chief Financial Officer & Dirigeante Des Finances Principal

    Danielle LeBlanc, the Chief Financial Officer & Dirigeante Des Finances Principal at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, directs the financial strategy and resource management functions for the department. LeBlanc oversees the development of budgets that support critical scientific research, habitat protection, and the sustainable management of Canada's aquatic resources. By implementing rigorous financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer & Dirigeante Des Finances Principal ensures that all departmental spending adheres to federal accountability standards and supports long-term strategic objectives. This role involves analyzing the economic impact of marine and fisheries policies to ensure that investments drive innovation and growth. Danielle LeBlanc collaborates with senior leadership to allocate funds effectively across diverse programs, including aquaculture and biotechnology. Through the application of sound financial management principles, the Chief Financial Officer & Dirigeante Des Finances Principal maintains the fiscal health of the organization, enabling the department to fulfill its mandate of safeguarding Canada's freshwater and marine environments while supporting the national economy.

    Richard May - Supply Technician & President, Uew Local 20090

    Richard May, the Supply Technician & President, Uew Local 20090 at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, manages the logistical support and supply chain operations necessary for the department's field activities. May ensures that scientific teams and operational staff possess the equipment and resources required to conduct habitat protection and environmental monitoring across Canada's vast waters. By optimizing inventory management and procurement processes, the Supply Technician & President, Uew Local 20090 enhances the efficiency of field operations and supports the timely execution of departmental mandates. This role involves coordinating with internal teams to ensure that supply chain activities align with safety and operational standards. Richard May also represents the interests of the workforce, fostering a collaborative environment that supports the department's mission. Through the application of logistical expertise, the Supply Technician & President, Uew Local 20090 ensures that the necessary infrastructure and materials are available to support the ongoing efforts to safeguard aquatic ecosystems and manage freshwater and marine resources effectively.

    Alexis McIntyre - Chief of Staff

    Alexis McIntyre, the Chief of Staff at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, manages the administrative flow and strategic alignment of the executive office. McIntyre facilitates communication between senior leadership and departmental divisions to ensure that organizational priorities remain clear and actionable. By optimizing internal workflows, the Chief of Staff enables the executive team to focus on high-impact policy development and resource management initiatives. This role involves coordinating complex projects that span multiple sectors, including aquaculture and habitat protection. Alexis McIntyre monitors the implementation of strategic directives, ensuring that all departments adhere to the established mission of safeguarding Canadian waters. Through the management of executive schedules and information flow, the Chief of Staff maintains organizational cohesion and supports the rapid execution of federal mandates. McIntyre drives efficiency by identifying bottlenecks in administrative processes and implementing solutions that allow the department to better serve the public interest and support sustainable economic growth.

    Julie Châteauvert - Chief of Staff & Operations & Strategy) Executive

    Julie Châteauvert, the Chief of Staff & Operations & Strategy) Executive at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, integrates operational planning with long-term strategic development to advance the department's mission. Châteauvert designs frameworks that align daily departmental activities with the broader goals of safeguarding aquatic ecosystems and promoting marine sector growth. By bridging the gap between high-level strategy and ground-level operations, the Chief of Staff & Operations & Strategy) Executive ensures that all initiatives remain focused on measurable environmental and economic outcomes. This role involves managing complex cross-functional projects that require coordination across various scientific and regulatory teams. Julie Châteauvert monitors the progress of strategic objectives, adjusting operational tactics to address emerging challenges in freshwater and marine resource management. Through the application of rigorous analytical methods, the Chief of Staff & Operations & Strategy) Executive drives organizational efficiency and ensures that the department maintains its capacity to protect Canada's vital water resources while fostering innovation.

    Kirsten Lawrie - Director, Chief of Staff

    Kirsten Lawrie, the Director, Chief of Staff at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, directs the administrative and strategic support functions that enable the department to function effectively. Lawrie manages the flow of information and decision-making processes within the executive office, ensuring that leadership remains informed and responsive to departmental needs. By overseeing the coordination of key initiatives, the Director, Chief of Staff facilitates the successful implementation of policies related to habitat protection and sustainable fisheries management. This role involves managing relationships with internal stakeholders to ensure that all divisions work in concert toward the department's core mission. Kirsten Lawrie monitors the execution of strategic plans, identifying opportunities to improve organizational performance and resource utilization. Through the application of structured management techniques, the Director, Chief of Staff supports the executive team in navigating the complexities of federal water management and ensures that the department consistently meets its obligations to the public and the environment.

    Prince Afram - Deputy Director

    Prince Afram, the Deputy Director at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, manages the daily operational execution of federal mandates regarding aquatic habitat protection and resource management. Afram coordinates cross-departmental efforts to implement sound science-based policies that govern freshwater and marine environments. By streamlining internal processes, the Deputy Director enhances the efficiency of regulatory enforcement and environmental monitoring programs. This role requires constant collaboration with regional leads to ensure that national objectives translate into effective local action across diverse Canadian geographies. Prince Afram monitors the progress of key conservation initiatives, ensuring that all activities adhere to federal standards for sustainability and economic development. Through the application of strategic oversight, the Deputy Director mitigates risks to aquatic ecosystems and fosters innovation in biotechnology. Afram maintains a focus on operational agility, ensuring that the department responds effectively to emerging environmental challenges and shifting industry requirements within the marine sector.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Fisheries and Oceans Canada Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Fisheries and Oceans Canada?
    Fisheries and Oceans Canada is led by Lindsay Dale (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Nancy Wentzell (Chief Financial Officer) and Kanchan Alamelu (Financial Management Advisor & Chief Financial Officer, Sector & Financial Advisory Services).
    Who is part of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s executive team?
    The executive team of Fisheries and Oceans Canada includes leaders such as Lindsay Dale (Chief Executive Officer), Nancy Wentzell (Chief Financial Officer), Kanchan Alamelu (Financial Management Advisor & Chief Financial Officer, Sector & Financial Advisory Services) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Fisheries and Oceans Canada have?
    Fisheries and Oceans Canada has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Fisheries and Oceans Canada includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Management Advisor & Chief Financial Officer, Sector & Financial Advisory Services, Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer and Chef De Cabinet Au Dirigeant Principal Des Finances, Chief Financial Officer & Dirigeante Des Finances Principal.