About Sophie

About Sophie

Sophie, mother of twins and former head of the OECD tax treaty unit, became the first woman to represent Pontiac-Kitigan Zibi in September 2021. A native of Montreal and resident of the Outaouais region since 2002, Sophie is a CPA, holds a law degree and a master’s degree in taxation. Her career includes roles in accounting firms, at the Ministry of Finance and at the OECD in Paris. An avid outdoorswoman and marathon runner, she entered politics motivated by the challenges of climate change. Committed to sustainable and inclusive politics, Sophie, along with her husband Tom and their sons, aspire to create a green and prosperous future.

Her Journey

Sophie’s journey into politics is not just a chronology of events; it’s a story of determination, intellectual rigor and a deep commitment to shaping tax policy, both nationally and internationally.

Family

Sophie is the epitome of family values. With her husband Tom, she is a devoted mother to twin sons Evan and Vincent, cultivating a home where love and mutual support prevail. Actively encouraging Evan and Vincent to follow their passions, Sophie and Tom guide them toward an appreciation of hard work and the importance of community service.

Personal Interests

Sophie has a deep love of Quebec and Canadian nature, which fuels her determination to protect it. Together with her husband Tom and their two boys, they share a passion for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping (including in winter), cross-country skiing, canoeing, kayaking, snowshoeing and cycling. Sophie is also an avid marathoner, having run eight marathons and numerous half-marathons.

Vision

“I never imagined I’d end up in politics. My dream was to make a difference on the international stage, a dream I fulfilled by working at the OECD. It was there that I really understood how much better policies could improve people’s lives. I also realized that we were at a decisive moment, facing the great challenge of ensuring both ecological and economic prosperity. Knowing that international policies must be anchored locally to be effective, I seized the opportunity to represent my community and translate global issues to a local scale. My goal as a Member of Parliament is to promote a green and prosperous Outaouais, by committing myself to my community and the future of our children.”

Achievements

Sophie played a key role in promoting sustainability and resilience in the Outaouais, launching the “For a Green and Prosperous Outaouais” project for an ecological transition targeting carbon neutrality by 2050. She led the regional COP15, which produced a visionary plan for biodiversity conservation and fostered collaboration between Indigenous communities, municipalities and conservation organizations. Sophie is also working for the official protection of Gatineau Park to reinforce its status as a protected park, and she is a fervent advocate for a sustainable tramway between Gatineau and Ottawa to improve mobility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Her support for the Local Journalism Initiative highlights her commitment to democracy and transparency, strengthening local media that support rural and Indigenous communities.

Her North Star

Every summer, my mom and dad would pack my sister and me into the family truck and we would leave for Saint-Guillaume, a remote place where paved roads gave way to sand paths, and cottages lacked electricity or running water. For my sister and me, this wilderness was paradise. We would set off most mornings dressed simply in jeans and swimsuits, learning survival tricks to avoid small predators like deerflies, while immersing ourselves in nature. We invented games, swam in the icy river, and worked in our “rock laboratory” by the riverside, collecting and smashing stones to reveal hidden treasures. Being in nature not only disconnects us from our digital world, but also connects us to something greater.

As adults, we start seeing places like Saint-Guillaume not just as natural paradises but as ecosystems that sustain us. Trees and wetlands absorb our pollution and filter our air and water. No carbon capture technology can rival that of a single tree.  Preserving these natural spaces is our greatest ally in the fight against climate change. Policies to tackle affordability must also recognize the value of these ecosystem services. Farmers, anglers, hunters, indigenous peoples, and foresters understand this reciprocity. We must be stewards of the land, because protecting it is the key to ensuring that nature can sustain us and future generations. 

While we are the first generation to experience the effects of climate change, scientists warn that we are also the last generation with the power to make a difference. Soon, our children and grandchildren will ask: What did you do when there was still time to act? There is only one answer: we took responsibility and protected our land, our nature. What we do now matters. 

As your MP, this is why I am working to protect Outaouais green spaces like Gatineau Park, to support our farmers in the face of climate change, and to promote green finance to stimulate investment. I am also leading efforts to advance sustainable transportation, like the proposed tramway in Gatineau. Canada’s transition to a green and prosperous economy is a challenge we must meet, and I am confident in our resilience and our ability to meet the expectations of future generations. 

Pontiac-Kitigan Zibi Riding

The federal riding of Pontiac-Kitigan Zibi, located in Quebec, Canada, stretches along the Ottawa River to the west and the Gatineau River to the north, including 41 municipalities with urban, rural and First Nations territories. Created in 1867, Pontiac-Kitigan Zibi has seen its boundaries adjusted over time, most recently in 2024, when it excluded Val-des-Monts and the Limbour district, while incorporating the Plateau de Hull, where Sophie’s office is located at the Agora. Its name honours the 18th-century Pontiac chief and the local First Nations community, Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg.

Known for its geographic diversity, Pontiac-Kitigan Zibi enjoys a varied economy, supported by public administration, agriculture, forestry, tourism and advanced technology, reflecting its proximity to Ottawa. Its population, a mix of French, English and Indigenous communities, enriches its culture. Pontiac-Kitigan Zibi remains a symbol of Quebec and Canada, illustrating a fusion of tradition, history and modern challenges.

Her Interventions

Sophie has made her mark as an influential member of several key committees in the Canadian House of Commons, influencing economic, foreign and environmental policies. She played a key role on the Standing Committee on Finance, shaping budget and tax decisions, and on the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development, where she promotes Canadian values internationally. Passionate about environmental protection, her commitment to the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development supports initiatives to combat climate change. As Chair of the Rural Caucus, Sophie defends the interests of rural communities in matters of health, infrastructure and economic support, ensuring that these regions receive the resources they need to prosper. Her expertise in taxation also enriches national and international discussions on economic policy, testifying to her ongoing commitment to equitable and sustainable development in her riding and in Canada.