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.
About Sophie
Sophie, a mother of twins and former head of the Tax Treaty Unit at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), became the first woman to represent Pontiac–Kitigan Zibi in September 2021. Resident of the Outaouais since 2002, Sophie is a CPA, holds a law degree, and has a master’s in taxation. Her career spans roles in law and accounting firms, the Department of Finance, and the OECD in Paris. An avid outdoors enthusiast and eight-time marathon runner, she entered politics driven by the challenges of transitioning to a green economy. Committed to sustainable and inclusive policymaking, Sophie – together with her husband Tom and their sons – works toward building a green and prosperous future.
Achievements
When she was first elected in 2021, Sophie made four key commitments alongside her Outaouais caucus colleagues: prioritizing affordable housing, securing funding for vital infrastructure, expanding transportation options to improve connectivity, and protecting our green spaces like the Gatineau Park.
She has delivered on every front.
Core Commitments
Housing
Programs like the Rapid Housing Initiative and Housing Accelerator Fund have expanded affordable housing, with the new Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund ensuring communities have the services needed to support it. This led, for example, to the project « Habitations Au cœur de la Vallée » in Gracefield comprises 26 units designed for individuals with disabilities and those with low or moderate incomes, and the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO) six-storey residence with 79 apartments and 131 rooms to address a student housing shortage.
Transportation
Through her relentless advocacy, Sophie successfully secured funding for the planning phase of the Gatineau-Ottawa Tramway — a transformative electric transit project linking western Gatineau to downtown Ottawa.
Green Spaces
Sophie tabled a bill to give Gatineau Park official legal protection, and launched Kidjimaninan (“Our Canoe”), an Indigenous-led conservation project with Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg.
Infrastructure
Sophie ensured the successful completion of Operation High-Speed Canada–Quebec, delivering high-speed internet access to every household in Quebec. She also announced a $70.4 million investment to improve road infrastructure across the Outaouais, including the widening of Pink Road to ease traffic flow and enhance connectivity.
Other Commitments
Beyond her core commitments, Sophie has delivered in other meaningful ways for the Outaouais:
- Secured $2.14 billion for Télésat, helping create 300 high-tech jobs in the region’s growing space economy.
- Announced $6 million for Laiterie de l’Outaouais to strengthen local food security and support regional producers.
- Delivered $6.5 million for 42 senior-focused projects, while expanding access to dental care through the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
- Secured $58.8 million to extend the Local Journalism Initiative, reinforcing local media that serve rural and Indigenous communities.
Sophie continues to lead with action, results, and a clear vision for a greener, more prosperous Outaouais.
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.
1972
Born in Montreal and raised in Laval and Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Sophie’s early life was humble and natural.
Educational Background – 1995
In a community where higher education was rare, Sophie broke the mold by completing her studies in law, then earning a master’s degree in taxation. She later became a CPA.
Career Highlights – 1997
In Drummondville, Sophie specialized in taxation, advising on estate planning, SME restructuring and U.S. taxation.
Marriage and Family – 1998
While backpacking in Turkey, Sophie met Tom, an American. Their marriage fused their cultures, resulting in the birth of twins. The family settled briefly in New York State, where Tom pursued his academic career.
Public Service and International Influence – 2002
The family moved to Gatineau, where Sophie began to influence tax policy. Working mainly at the Department of Finance, she became a negotiator for Canada and contributed to UN and IMF initiatives to develop a fair tax system.
Leadership at the OECD – 2017
Sophie became Head of Tax Treaties at the OECD in Paris, where her leadership contributed to international tax reform, including a 15% minimum tax for multinationals and web giants.
Return to Canada and Legislative Impact – 2021
Sophie returned to the Department of Finance to draft the Digital Services Act. She then entered politics and became the first woman to represent Pontiac-Kitigan Zibi.
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.
Pontiac-Kitigan Zibi Riding
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.
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