TFS - Canada's International School

1 7 R A P P O R T À N O T R E C O M M U N A U T É 2 0/2 1 Brett Thalmann '03 Political advisor and diversity champion | 2021 recipient of Le prix de distinction des jeunes diplômés Since his years at TFS, Brett Thalmann has made it his mission to make positive societal change. It's a trait that highly suits his present role as the executive director of planning, administration and people in the O e of the Prime Minister of Canada (PMO). Immediately after being appointed to the PMO in 2020, Brett was involved in many change-making moments. He joined with experts from across Canada to craft Bill C-65, the federal policy on sexual harassment and violence in the workplace, which came into effect on Ja uary 1, 2021. He was also a participant when the prime minister, finan e minister and senior legislators determined a strategy to benefit anadians and businesses during the pandemic. Previously, he led the Liberal Party of Canada's Ontario campaign, recruiting the diverse candidates that later allowed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to form Canada's first gender-balanced cabinet. Larissa Parker '12 Rising environmental lawyer | 2020 recipient of Le prix de distinction des jeunes diplômés During her time at TFS, Larissa Parker became intrigued at the possibility of contributing to broad, meaningful societal change in environmental law. She volunteered on cases concerning climate change and environmental inequality. In tandem, she also became actively involved in initiatives that promote Indigenous law and perspectives within the legal system. Larissa credits her TFS teachers for cultivating her interests at a young age. Larissa completed a philosophy degree, a master of science degree in environmental governance (Oxford University), and a law degree (McGill University), which has positioned her uniquely to make an impact in the area of environmental law. Larissa was named one of Forbes' Top 30 under 30 Leaders and one of Canada's Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leaders. The Globe and Mail recognized her as a Canadian Making a Diffe ence, and in 2019, she won The Economist Open Future Essay Competition for her essay about the intergenerational implications of climate change. Yvan Baker '96 Politician and advocate for the people | 2020 recipient of Le prix de distinction des anciens élèves In the TFS Class of 1996 yearbook, there's a photo of Yvan Baker captioned, "most likely to become prime minister." Today, Mr. Baker is an advocate for the people with the federal government after public service at the provincial level. Recently re-elected, Yvan has been the Member of Parliament for Etobicoke Centre since 2019. However, he began his political career on the TFS student council. After university, he worked as an executive assistant for a local MP, which exposed him to issues of community importance. Baker also served as Parliamentary Assistant during his four years in the Ontario government. What he's most proud of is his work to advance community causes, like the tunneling of the Eglinton West LRT, saving a local school from closure for children with special needs, and introducing a private member's bill which led to a province-wide ban on door-to-door sales. Since becoming MP and witnessing the pandemic's effec s on his riding, Baker championed for the creation of national standards for long-term care. Yvan acknowledges TFS for laying the foundation for his political achievements. I credit TFS for all of my successes. They gave me the tools for critical thinking and encouraged me to ask the right questions, to challenge the status quo, and not to take anything for granted." I had the benefit of a TFS education and I'm richer for it. It's been my mission to enrich the lives of others ever since." I had great teachers who helped me to think creatively and guide me towards environmental subjects."

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