With more than 20 years' experience as a technology, media and telecommunications (TMT)-focused lawyer and policy professional in the private and public sector, and a graduate legal education in Internet content policy and regulation, Deborah brings a demonstrated ability to assess policy problems from multiple perspectives, to think big and outside-the-box, and to craft creative yet practical solutions that obtain buy-in from decision-makers. This capacity is coupled with expert knowledge of public policy, public administration, and legislative/regulatory processes and procedural issues at the international, national, and sub-national levels. 
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Before joining Hall Webber LLP, Deborah was Senior Specialist for culture policy at the Ontario government, where she brought her strong passion for the TMT industries and breadth of experience in leading strategy and policy development on a federal-facing, high-priority legislative and regulatory portfolio that included: national digital economy strategy; free trade agreement (re)negotiations; CRTC broadcasting proceedings; copyright reform; and Canadian culture policy toolkit modernization.

These cross-cutting initiatives required extensive engagement and collaboration with Ontario, federal, and provincial/territorial government partners, industry players, and NGOs, as well as coordination with broader Ontario government strategic priorities. Deborah earned high praise from Assistant Deputy Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and Ministers for her clear and thorough briefings. Her exemplary performance was recognized by both the Ontario Public Service (OPS) and stakeholders. Most recently, in September 2018, she received an Amethyst Award, the OPS’ highest honour, for Individual Service Excellence.   

Prior to her work at the Ontario government, Deborah was Director of Legal and Business Affairs for a prominent Canadian independent screen-based production and distribution company and a student-at-law focused on intellectual property, information technology, and related litigation at top-tier Bay Street law firm Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP.  
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Deborah is trusted and respected for her integrity, professionalism, dedication, and rare capacity to “see around corners.” She is noted for her political acuity and ability to unpack complex issues and provide concise, timely, and persuasive analysis of rapidly evolving developments (industry, policy, legal, and political). She excels at effectively communicating advice and recommendations to diverse audiences, dealing with competing priorities in fast-paced high-stress environments through strong project management skills, and working cooperatively and diplomatically.