Iain Reeve

Associate Director, Immigration Research

About

Iain Reeve is the Associate Director of Immigration Research at The Conference Board of Canada. In this role, Ian is responsible for managing the research, convening, and engagement activities of the Immigration Focus Area and the National Immigration Centre. Along with staff Iain plans and executes the Board’s core research agenda, develops new research opportunities with clients and partners, and contributes insights to a variety of projects. He takes a lead role in planning the Canadian Immigration Summit, and designs and lead other convening activities.

Immigration is a massive topic in Canada with stakeholders and interested parties spread across dozens of sectors. Our role is to provide unique and evidence-based insights wherever big immigration decisions and debates are taking place, and to bring together and connect the top minds in the field.

Past Work Experience

Prior to the Board, Iain worked in research consulting, labour research and policy, and most recently in employment and labour market integration policy at Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. Iain strongly believes in the power of quality research, evidence-based policy making, and bringing people together to solve wicked problems. His experience has shown Iain the important role all immigration stakeholders have in crafting a system that benefits immigrants and Canada alike.

Academic Credentials

Ph.D.

Academic Background

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Simon Fraser University
Master of Arts, Political Studies, Queen’s University
Doctorate of Political Studies, Queen’s University

Contact

reeve@conferenceboard.ca

Get to Know Iain

What brought you to the Conference Board?

I came to the Conference Board because I believe that high quality research should have a decisive impact. For my whole career I was seeking an opportunity to combine research of the highest standards with a strategy and resources devoted to ensuring that research finds and audience and affects decision making. This approach is core to the Conference Board’s values and mission. The Board also has a strong pre-existing reputation for strong immigration research, one that I hope to guide to even greater heights. The Board also focuses very strongly on building networks. As an aggressive network-builder, I saw an opportunity at the Board to build the best, most diverse network of immigration professionals and researchers in Canada.

What impact do you hope to see from your work?

Canada’s immigration system is constantly evolving. This change comes through system decisions at the government level, but also comes through the decisions of newcomers, the adaptations of service providers, and the evolution of our communities and workplaces. Years from now, when I look back at how the system has evolved in all these places, I want to be able to see how Conference Board insights, networks, and interventions changed the course of the system for the better. I want to see tangible improvements for newcomers and Canada as a whole brought on by our work to enlighten and connect the sector.

What do you do when you’re offline?

When I’m not working you can find me playing (and sometimes coping) with my newborn son. When he gives me a break, you can find me biking, skating, or walking across Ottawa, sampling the best vegetarian food and craft beer the city has to offer. After that, I’ll usually be at home playing guitar or drums, or taking in a basketball or soccer game. I guess this means I’m never fully offline!