Joan Andrew

Joan Andrew assumed the post of Distinguished Public Servant in Residence at Ryerson University in May 2010 after working in the public sector for 36 years. She retired from the position in Fall 2015, and was replaced by Frank D'Onofrio. On 17 May 2010, Joan Andrew delivered the keynote address to the annual Major Research Paper Conference of the MA in Public Policy and Administration.  (PDF file) Read Joan Andrew's informative address. Ms. Andrew began her career with Employment and Immigration Canada (now HRSDC). She quickly assumed more responsible management challenges, including grant programs to community agencies, working on aspects of planning and accountability systems for program delivery. In 1988, she joined the Ontario Women’s Directorate in the Ontario Government. From 2005 to 2009 (when she retired) she was the Deputy Minister in the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration and was also responsible for women’s issues, and for policies related to seniors. In this capacity, she exercised leadership on policies and programs related to immigration (selection, settlement & integration), language training and international credential recognition, voluntarism and civic engagement, citizen recognition and awards programs. She led the ministry through a realignment of programs and an expansion of mandate. She worked to promote policies and programs in favour of women’s equality with a particular focus on violence against women and women’s economic security.