Meet RAC Advocacy, Policy and Research Support Specialist Katarina Stipanovic
Posted onKatarina Stipanovic joined the RAC team in April 2024 as Advocacy, Policy and Research Support Specialist and quickly made an impact
Katarina’s main responsibility and priority will be to support the government relations team. In this broad role, she’ll be advocating for the rail sector in Ottawa predominantly, but her efforts will stretch to provincial governments as well. Her new role also involves researching policy and the development of policy positions and submissions to the public service and federal government.
“Right now, one of the big items we’re working on is urging the federal government to repeal extended interswitching,” said Katarina.
When asked what strong advocacy looks like to her, Katarina put it clearly: “For me it means that we’re pushing the key issues that impact Canada as a whole, the Canadian economy and the Canadian public.”
And in her opinion for the rail industry, that comes from the grassroots level. Katarina highlights the need to support all aspects of the rail industry like railroaders themselves, shortline railways, and smaller communities that can benefit from rail. She adds that making sure their voices are properly represented in Ottawa and other provincial legislatures is something she deeply cares about.
Prior to joining the RAC, Katarina gained five years of political experience at both the federal and provincial level. She previously worked for two ministers in the Manitoba government, and her most recent federal political experience has been on Parliament Hill.
“Government relations and advocacy work is something I’ve known I’ve wanted to be a part of because I’m fascinated by the intricate workings of policy and how it shapes society.”
And while she may not have had previous ties to the industry, a particular element captured her interest in rail.
“What drew me to the RAC is the people,” said Katarina. “Their enthusiasm, combined with their friendliness, and a very welcoming work environment all contributed to my interest in both the industry and the RAC,” said Katarina.
Welcome to the team, Katarina!