Home : About Us : Deputy Minister
Oryssia J. Lennie
Deputy Minister
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Oryssia was appointed Deputy Minister for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) on November 1, 1997. The department promotes the development and diversification of the western Canadian economy and advances the interests of the West in national economic policy. Activities include supporting the development of new and innovative technologies, expanding entrepreneurship, and investing in community sustainability, and undertaking research and advocacy initiatives.
Prior to joining WD, Mrs. Lennie worked for the Alberta government for 26 years and was Deputy Minister of Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs from 1990 to 1997. She has had extensive involvement in constitutional and aboriginal constitutional negotiations and intergovernmental negotiations on social, economic, international trade, and internal trade policy.
A graduate of the University of Alberta, Oryssia has received numerous awards for her accomplishments in public service and in the area of business and management, including the Lieutenant Governor’s Gold Medal for Excellence in Public Service in 2002 and the YWCA Women of Distinction Award in 1997. She is based in WD Headquarters in Edmonton.