Biography
Tara Denham is the Assistant Deputy Minister of Emergency Management, Legal and Consular Affairs (CFM) & Senior Official for Hostage Affairs. The branch contributes to timely, whole-of-government coordinated responses to international emergencies; provides leadership on consular policy, assistance to Canadians abroad and travel advice; and oversees the department’s security and readiness. The branch also includes the international law bureau, which provides strategic advice on a wide range of international legal issues. Previously, Tara was the was the Director General for Human Rights, Freedoms and Inclusion at Global Affairs Canada and the Senior Official on cyber, digital, and emerging technology policy issues, which led Canada’s foreign policy engagement on inclusion, democracy and human rights, and its digital and cybersecurity dimensions. Tara took on the role of Women’s Champion in October 2023 and is honored to continue to advocate and support the amazing efforts of the Women’s Network in the department.
Previously, Tara worked in both policy and programming areas within Global Affairs Canada, including as Director General of the Ukraine Strategic Action Team; Head of Evaluation; and Director of the Centre for International Digital Policy where she spearheaded the creation of the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism during Canada’s Presidency in 2018. She has also managed programming teams, including the portfolios of the Middle East, Afghanistan, democracy and human rights, and peace support operations. She has been deployed to Afghanistan as the Chief of Staff to the Representative of Canada to Kandahar (2009-2010).
Tara has worked in Global Affairs Canada for 20 years, and previously worked in the non-governmental sector. Ms. Denham has a Master’s degree from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, with a focus on conflict studies.
