FDD Welcomes New Director for Canada

Washington, D.C. (November 3, 2011) — The Foundation for Defense of Democracies proudly welcomes its first Director of Policy for Canada. Sheryl Saperia will expand FDD's national security work among Canadian policymakers, media and allied organizations. Based in Ottawa, Sheryl joins an international team of FDD professionals working out of Washington, D.C., Brussels, Berlin, and Prague.

“FDD builds international alliances with countries that stand against the regimes, ideologies and terrorists who threaten liberal democracy,” said FDD Executive Director Mark Dubowitz. “Sheryl is one of Canada's rising political stars, with a track record of success, a commitment to defending her country, and a deep appreciation for the gravity of the global threats facing all democracies.”

“Canada is one of Washington's strongest allies, its largest trading partner, and an energy superpower whose resources are critical to U.S. energy security,” added FDD President Clifford May. “Canada has been a critical ally in the war on terrorism, it has played a leadership role in pressuring the Iranian regime, and the Canadian military has fought courageously in Afghanistan and Libya.”

Sheryl served previously as the director of government relations at a public policy consulting firm in Ottawa, and the senior legal and policy advisor for a counterterrorism advocacy organization. She has been heavily involved in drafting Canadian federal legislation that would allow victims of terrorism and their families to launch civil lawsuits against local and state sponsors of terrorism. She has also testified as an expert witness before Canadian parliamentary committees and appeared on television and radio. The bill, now a piece of government legislation, has been introduced in the House of Commons.

Sheryl recently completed a master's program in comparative politics at the London School of Economics and Political Science, where she focused on issues relating to political violence, terrorism, and homegrown radicalization. She also holds a law degree from the University of Western Ontario, and an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto.

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The Foundation for Defense of Democracies is a non-profit, non-partisan policy institute dedicated exclusively to promoting pluralism, defending democratic values, and fighting the ideologies that drive terrorism. Founded shortly after the attacks of 9/11, FDD combines policy research, democracy and counterterrorism education, strategic communications, and investigative journalism in support of its mission. For more information, please visit www.defenddemocracy.org.