VEQ is comprised of a small but dedicated staff that carries out the day-to-day operations of the office and ensures the overall success of projects and activities.

Meet the VEQ team!

Jean-Sébastien J. Gignac
Executive Director / Directeur général

After completing his Master’s degree in the History of International Relations at Université Laval and working as a research assistant, Jean Sébastien began to make his mark on the English-speaking community in Québec City by joining the Voice of English-speaking Québec (VEQ) in 2005. He began his career as a coordinator and quickly moved through the ranks to become executive director.

As executive director of VEQ, Jean Sébastien ensures the goals and objectives of the organization are met. He manages all aspects of VEQ’s operations, including applying for and managing funds from contributing agencies. He also works hard to develop relationships with the English-speaking community in order to support and promote its interests.

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Shannon Ker
Assistant Executive Director/Directrice générale adjointe

After several years working for the Government of New Brunswick where she managed cross-country tours for the Premier, developed brands for the economic development department and promoted repatriation, Shannon started a marketing company in western Canada called Renwick & Ker Marketing Group. After moving to Quebec, she left the firm and joined the Voice of English-speaking Québec (VEQ) as a project coordinator.

With a fun and innovative approach to developing ideas, Shannon is an “outside the box” thinker. She is looking forward to applying these skills at VEQ by developing and implementing its marketing plan and promoting it products and services to the English-speaking community.

‘You see things; and you say, “Why?” But I dream things that never were and I say, “Why not?” – George Bernard Shaw.

Heather McRae
Project Coordinator/Coordonnatrice des projets

A native Torontonian, Heather studied at Glendon College, York University’s bilingual campus. There, she was able to study both her passions: theatre and French. After completing her degree, she moved to Quebec City to continue learning and living in a completly Francophone setting. A year and a half and many French courses later, she joined the team at VEQ and is happy to call Quebec City home.

“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” – Coco Chanel

Ellie Schneider
Administrative Assistant/Assistante Administrative

Having benefitted personally from VEQ services as a newcomer, Ellie is thrilled to join the team and become more involved in the English-speaking community.

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.”
– Winston Churchill

Laura Turner
Newcomers Coordinator/Coordonnatrice des nouveaux arrivants

Upon completing a degree in Sociology from Carleton University and a Social Service Worker Diploma from Algonquin College, Laura began working at Abbotsford House Senior Centre as Seniors Outreach Coordinator.  She was responsible for assessing the needs of senior citizens in her community and implementing programs to meet those specific needs.  After moving to Quebec, she began the process of integrating into a new culture.

Growing up with parents in the Canadian Forces, Laura considers herself to be a professional newcomer.  She has many experiences integrating into new cultures and understands the challenges that newcomers face.  She is very excited to take on the position of one of the Newcomer Coordinators and operates with an “open door” policy.

“I am very excited and look forward to working with the Anglophone and Francophone communities.” – Laura

“Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. Love like you’ve never been hurt and live like it’s heaven on Earth.”
— Mark Twain