Chantal Lavoie is a Professional Mining Engineer with over 35 years of experience in mining operations, permitting, construction, and executive leadership. A native of Chicoutimi, Quebec, Mr. Lavoie has held senior positions with some of the world's leading mining companies, including Manager of Underground Division at Barrick's Goldstrike project and COO of De Beers' Canadian mining operations during the construction of the Snap Lake and Victor mines. He has also served as CEO of Crocodile Gold Corp., COO of Dominion Diamond Corporation, and most recently, COO of Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) for five years until his retirement. Mr. Lavoie holds a Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering from Université Laval, Quebec, and brings extensive experience in managing large-scale mining projects from permitting through to operations. Mr. Lavoie sits on the Compensation and Technical Committees.
Mr. Reid is a geologist and capital markets executive with over 20 years of experience focused exclusively in the mineral resource space. Mr. Reid started his career as a geologist with Saskatchewan Geological Survey and Cominco Global Exploration after which he became a partner and senior mining analyst at Sprott/Cormark Securities in Toronto. He was then named Executive General Manager at Paladin Energy, where he was responsible for leading all merger and acquisition, corporate and market related activities. He is the former Managing Director Global Mining Sales at National Bank Financial, where he directed the firm’s sales and trading in the mining sector. Most recently, he acted as President and Director of Sulliden Gold Corporation, until its acquisition by Rio Alto Mining in 2014 and was Managing Director at Aguia Resources Ltd. from 2015 to 2019. He holds a B.Sc from the University of Regina, a M.Sc from the University of Toronto and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Mr. Biron is a senior professional mining engineer with over 40 years of experience in the mining industry. He specializes in mining operations and has held several senior site-based roles with leading international mining companies, along with executive management positions. Notably, Mr. Biron served as the General Manager of the Troilus Mine for Inmet Mining Corporation from 2005 to 2010 and as the President of the Board of Directors of l’Institut national des mines de Quebec (National Institute of Mines of Quebec) from 2010 to 2021. He has been instrumental in managing major open pit mines, consistently applying the highest standards to achieve corporate objectives. Additionally, Mr. Biron advocates for the social acceptability of mining projects, integrating the latest automation technologies to enhance mining processes and emphasizing the importance of public consultations with local communities. Mr. Biron is the Chair of the Technical Committee and sits on the Compensation Committee.
Ms. Lai is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur with 20+ years of global marketing and product management experience in the technology sector. She began her career in product development, working for Vodaphone in the UK, returning to North America after six years she went to work for Entrata Communications based out of San Diego, California. After a successful exit she relocated to Toronto for FloNetwork as their Director of Product Marketing (acquired by DoubleClick and then Google). In 2010 Diane founded an organic skincare company with a mission to develop all natural products for those with severe allergies and skin sensitives. More recently Diane served as the Vice President of Marketing and IT for Yellow Pages Media, and Chief Operating Officer for ARHT Media Inc. (TSXV: ART). Diane currently teaches at the University of Toronto in the Entrepreneurship Program and consults for the Bank of Montreal Agile Center of Excellence. Diane serves on the board of the Flato Markham Theatre and formerly served on the board of Aguia Resources. Diane graduated from the University of Waterloo, earned an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and received the ICD.D designation by the Institute of Corporate Directors. Ms. Lai is the Chair of the Compensation and Corporate Governance Committees.
Ms. Berneche is a CPA, CA and has 15 years of experience with public companies in the mining and publishing sectors, as well as experience with large accounting firms, specializing in corporate tax. Since 2014, she has dedicated her time to a grass roots non-profit organization she created which provides financial assistance to families with children with cerebral palsy. The organization gained its charitable status in 2017. Ms. Berneche holds an Honours B.A. from the University of Toronto. Ms. Berneche sits on the Audit and Governance Committees.
The Honourable Pierre Pettigrew, p.c. has had a distinguished career with success in both public and private sectors. From January 1996 to February 2006, he served as a Member of Parliament. Most notably, he led a number of senior government departments in his ten years as a minister in successive federal Canadian governments. Among other positions, he has served Canada as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister for International Trade and the Minister for International Cooperation. He is now with Deloitte & Touche LLP in the role of Executive Advisor, International. Prior to entering national politics, Pierre Pettigrew was the Vice President of Samson Belair Deloitte & Touche International (Montréal), where he acted as an international business consultant. Mr. Pettigrew sits on the Audit and Technical Committees.
Mr. Olesinski, has over 20 years of finance and management experience. He worked as a managing forensic accountant for BDO Dunwoody, where he earned a Certified Fraud Examiner designation, before moving into the marketing communications industry, where he worked for Cossette Communication Group in various roles, including Director of Finance and Operations. Mr. Olesinski currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Lithium Ionic Corp. Mr. Olesinski is Chair of the Company’s Audit Committee and sits on the Technical Committee.