Tanya Watkins

Tanya Watkins has a diverse work experience spanning over 16 years. Tanya currently holds the position of Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Communications, and Social Responsibility at OCS Ontario Cannabis Store since November 2020. Prior to this, they worked as a Senior Director, Corporate Affairs & Policy at the same company from January to November 2020.

From January 2018 to January 2020, Tanya served as a Director at the Ministry of Finance, Government Business Enterprises Division, Gaming Policy Branch. In this role, they led a branch of policy professionals and provided strategic policy advice, operational support, and risk management advice regarding the gambling sector in Ontario. Tanya also provided oversight of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).

Tanya's experience also includes their role as a Senior Manager at the Ministry of the Attorney General from December 2016 to January 2018. In this capacity, they managed a team of policy professionals, offered policy advice, operational support, and managed relationships with high-profile agencies in the Broader Public Sector in Ontario. Tanya also provided strategic advice to the Office of the Attorney General.

Prior to that, Tanya served in the Ministry of Finance as a Senior Manager from an unspecified timeframe to 2016. In this position, they led a team of policy professionals and delivered policy related to the gambling sector in Ontario. Tanya also acted as a trusted advisor to senior management and the Minister of Finance, overseeing the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).

Tanya's work history also includes roles at the Ministry of Community and Social Services, where they served as a Senior Policy and Fiscal Advisor from an unspecified timeframe to 2008, providing fiscal and policy development expertise for the Ontario Works social assistance program. Additionally, they worked at the Democratic Renewal Secretariat as a Project Coordinator and as an Executive Assistant to the Assistant Deputy Minister.

Overall, Tanya Watkins has a strong background in policy development, strategic advice, and operational management across various sectors, including cannabis, gambling, and social services.

Tanya Watkins obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto, where they studied from 1997 to 2000. Tanya then pursued a Master's degree in Public Policy and Administration from Carleton University, completing their studies from 2002 to 2004. Additionally, Tanya holds certifications in Master's of Public Policy and Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.