In Episode 17 of Ellected, Sarah is joined by Melissa Lantsman, newly elected Member of Parliament for the Ontario riding of Thornhill. Melissa and Sarah delve into her very recent election win, what it's like to walk the halls and sit in the House of Commons, her seatmates and what they represent for the future of politics in Canada, serving as transportation critic, and more.
Born and raised in Thornhill, Melissa is an award-winning public relations executive in Toronto. She became involved in politics at an early age and has been involved in local political campaigns in the riding since her teenage years. She served as a communications leader in high-profile positions across the most senior ranks of the federal government, political campaigns across Canada and in the private sector. Prior to becoming one of the most sought-after public affairs and communications consultants in Canada, Melissa was head of 2018 PC Campaign War room and served as chief spokesperson for the campaign.
Melissa has also held senior roles in the 2008, 2011 and 2015 federal Conservative Party of Canada campaign war rooms under Stephen Harper. Her winning reputation followed her into the private sector where she continued to be a highly coveted strategist for subsequent campaigns at all levels of government. From 2007 to 2015, Melissa served as Director of Communications for Canada’s Ministers of Finance, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Environment. Melissa has provided media-training, debate prep and speech coaching to both political leaders and executives across Canada.
Melissa was elected in October 2021 as the Member of Parliament for Thornhill and serves as the Conservative Party's transportation critic.
Sarah Elder-Chamanara is the founder, creative director and owner of Madame Premier, a feminist and political clothing company based in Calgary, Alberta. With the underlying principle of seeing more women and diversity in politics, elected and in backrooms, at every level, Madame Premier creates the opportunity for conversations about why politics needs to change. Madame Premier has been featured in the National Post, CBC, Forbes and Toronto Star. Sarah is currently planning on opening Madame Premier’s first retail location in summer 2021 in Calgary.
