Review panel members’ biographies

The child intervention system review panel members were selected based on recommendations from the panel co-chairs. The review panel’s terms of reference and full biographies of the members are available at www.child.alberta.ca/cisreview.

Nico Trocmé (Montréal), MSW, Ph.D.  (co-chair) - Philip Fisher Chair in Social Work at McGill University and Scientific Director of the Canadian Centre of Excellence in Child Welfare

Nico Trocmé is considered among the leading researchers in the field of child welfare in Canada.
He was principal investigator for a national incidence study about reported child abuse and neglect. He also directed the development of a framework for tracking child welfare service outcomes, which is currently being implemented by governments across the country. Dr. Trocmé served as a research advisor for a child welfare service transformation program in Ontario and has spent the last five years developing a national network of researchers and policy makers to promote and support evidence-based child welfare policy.

Peter Dudding (Ottawa), MM, MSW, RSW (co-chair) - Executive Director of the Child Welfare League of Canada

Peter Dudding has three decades of senior management experience in the fields of child welfare, public health and international development. He currently serves as the co-director of the Centre of Excellence for Child Welfare and co-chairs the national steering committee for the Canadian Incidence Study on Reported Child Abuse and Neglect. His work includes conducting applied research, establishing best practice models, policy and program development, evaluating outcomes, advocacy, knowledge building, and promoting child and youth rights.

Dorothy Ahlgren (Ottawa) - Co-chair of the CACP Crime Prevention Committee and Chair of the Coalition on Community Safety, Health and Well-being

Dorothy Ahlgren has extensive experience in issues related to crime prevention, public safety, social development, youth justice renewal and youth mental health. She has served as a representative and advisor on numerous federal initiatives related to the safety and security of children and youth, including child maltreatment/neglect and sexual exploitation. 

Mike DeGagné (Ottawa), Ph.D. - Executive Director of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation

Mike DeGagné has worked in the field of addiction and mental health for the past 25 years and lectures and teaches nationally and internationally on Aboriginal health issues, residential schools, reconciliation, and governance.  He serves on the board for Algoma University, is the current Vice-President of the Child Welfare League of Canada, and is past Chairman of the Queensway Carleton Hospital. 

Jane Fitzgerald (London/Middlesex), B.A., M.S.W. - Executive Director of the Children’s Aid Society of London and Middlesex

Jane Fitzgerald has worked extensively with children and families as a clinician and administrator in the children’s mental health and child welfare fields. She was a member of the Board of the Child Welfare League of Canada and a member of the Canadian delegation to the United Nations Special Session on Children, which led to the recent publication of A Canada Fit for Children, which documents the Canadian government’s commitment to the nation’s children.

Sandra Harrison (Edmonton) - Alberta Mental Health Patient Advocate

Sandra Harrison has more than 20 years experience in the mental health and corrections fields. In her current role, she assists patients involved in the mental health system understand and exercise their legal rights and promotes public, professional and consumer awareness of rights related to issues in mental health.

Josie Hill (Winnipeg) - Executive Director of the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre

Within the Winnipeg community, Josie Hill has long been recognized as an advocate and ambassador for the Aboriginal community. As a result of her vision and leadership, many organizations in Winnipeg have worked together to make positive changes in their community and help families build on their strengths and become more self-reliant.

Kenn Richard (Toronto) - Executive Director of the Native Child and Family Services of Toronto

Kenn Richard teaches intercultural social work practice at the University of Toronto Faculty of Social Work and is published in the areas of child welfare and urban Native issues. He is a strong children’s advocate at both the national and the local level and is often called to lend advice to government in the field of Native child welfare and its related issues.

Dr. Gayla Rogers (Calgary) - Dean of the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary

Dr. Gayla Rogers began teaching in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary in 1978. She has been directly involved in curriculum development, teaching and research administration, and academic leadership. She has co-authored or edited four books; published over 45 journal articles and book chapters; delivered over 100 papers; and has received federal funding for her research.

Cal Dallas (Red Deer) - Member of Legislative Assembly, Red Deer South

Cal Dallas was elected to his first term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Red Deer-South on March 3, 2008. In addition to his regular duties as MLA, he currently serves as a member of the Public Accounts Committee, the Standing Committee on Health and the Standing Committee on Private Bills. In 2008, he sponsored legislation which resulted in amendments to Alberta’s Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act.