Profile: Sophie Pitre-Arseneault

Communicating health risks to Canadians

Sophie Pitre-Arseneault helps Canadians stay safer by keeping the lines of communication open.

Sophie works for Health Canada in the Maritime provinces, advising different levels of government on communications strategies. She also acts as liaison with the industry and the public at large.

The risk business

“As a regional risk communications, public involvement and outreach officer, I see this position as the link between government, stakeholder groups and the general public,” says Sophie. “This is a very exciting role since you meet and talk with so many different people, internally and externally.”

Her job involves gathering the broadest amount of information from a range of sources to make good communications decisions.

“As part of my job, I travel in all four Atlantic provinces and sometimes across other provinces in Canada. I gather input and recommendations on various topics, trends and issues from a wide range of stakeholder groups and the general public.

“This mass of information is analyzed to formulate options on risk communications and public involvement activities, which is then used to advise senior management on how to proceed.”

Two-way communications

Today’s government is becoming more and more responsive to the needs of Canadians. And it’s offering them more opportunities to make their voices heard. For Sophie, listening to the public is a major part of the job.

“Stakeholders want to be engaged in discussions,” she says. “They have tremendous insights, practical advice and information to share.”

“We need to continue to provide a forum for Canadians to be involved in the decision-making processes. Public involvement, outreach and risk communications certainly are the effective tools to accomplish this task.”

Broad background

Sophie’s job requires someone with many different talents. And, judging by her educational background, she fits the bill.

“My education includes a bachelor’s degree in sciences with a major in nutrition, and a master’s in public administration,” she says.

Like so many others, Sophie says she took a job with the Public Service to make a difference in the lives of Canadians.

“I have chosen a career in the Public Service because I strongly believe
in the greater good, looking at Canadians as a community and other countries as our neighbours.”

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