Federal Policy Update

Megan Nichols was appointed Associate Assistant Deputy Minister of the Environmental Protection Branch (EPB), Environment and Climate Change Canada, as of January 10, 2023.  She joined ECCC from Transport Canada, where she spent four years, first as the Director General of Environmental Policy, and then as Associate Assistant Deputy Minister, Policy.

Prior to her time at Transport Canada, Megan was Director General in the Lands and Minerals Sector at Natural Resources Canada, with responsibility for the leadership of Canada’s mining policy.  From 2012-2017, Megan held a number of positions at Public Safety Canada, focused mainly on international and Canada-U.S. border and security issues.

Megan spent six years designing and managing public infrastructure funding programs at Infrastructure Canada.  From 1999 to 2004, she worked in the Canadian Heritage portfolio.

Megan holds a Master’s degree in History from Queen’s University. She lives in Chelsea, Quebec with her family and is an avid hiker, canoeist and cross-country skier.

Shannon Castellarin is a senior manager at Environment and Climate Change Canada who is responsible for leading the development of plastics regulations.  Prior to her work on plastics, Shannon led a team of professionals responsible for the delivery of the Chemicals Management Plan. During this time, Shannon was also a country expert in the review of Australia’s chemicals management program.

With over 15 years of experience in the area of risk management, Shannon is aware of the importance of flexibility and collaboration during the instrument development process and takes a solution oriented approach to deliver results.

Shannon holds a Batchelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from Carleton University.  She enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her family.