RRI’s associates are highly-trained partners from across multiple disciplines. Research associates assist RRI in carrying out it’s mission and objectives. If you are interested in becoming an RRI associate, please email us at administration@rricanada.org
GERARD LUCYSHYN [Alberta] – President/Executive Director of The Regulatory Research Institute of Canada. – Gerard is an chartered economist, author, and lecturer. Gerard has lectured on microeconomics, macroeconomics, globalization, and engineering economics over the last two decades at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta. Gerard has a varied educational background and an even richer life experience, both professionally and personally. He holds college diplomas in Masonry and Paralegal Studies (specializing in litigation and commercial law). He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Economics from the University of Winnipeg and a Master of Arts degree in Economics from Carleton University in Ottawa. MORE ... Over the last 30 years, Gerard has also worked in business and economic consulting, litigation, public policy research, and academia. He has served in a number of capacities for various volunteer committees and boards in western Canada. Gerard has extensive involvement in municipal, provincial, and federal politics within Alberta, and has earned the respect of those he worked with on a number of constituency associations and electoral districts associations. Gerard has volunteered for a number of community-based organizations including Prospect Human Services, Boy Scouts Canada, Rotary Club of Chestermere (founding member), and Langdon Chamber of Commerce (founding member). As an author, Gerard has published numerous papers, commentaries, infographics, and videos regarding various municipal, provincial, economics and policy issues in Canada. Gerard has presented his research at conferences in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Rio De Janeiro. He consults regularly on these topics and provides media interviews. Gerard has been involved in the publication of a number of books as either a co-author, author, researcher, or publisher. Gerard is passionate about education and believes in life-long learning. He believes in the necessity of educating the next generation of policy makers in Canada. Gerard has made contributions to think tanks in Canada and internationally. His previous engagement was the rejuvenation of a defunct Winnipeg-based think tank, where he reinvigorated, developed and implemented a streamlined research program and a comprehensive internship program. Gerard’s current project is development and expansion of The Regulatory Research Institute of Canada. When not engaged in a project, Gerard enjoys spending time with family and traveling across Canada with his wife, Sheila, by motorcycle or camper van, searching out adventure. LESS ...
ANIL ANAND [Ontario] – Anil is a freelance writer, columnist, and consultant. Anil holds a number of degrees, which include: a degree in Physical and Health Education from the University of Toronto, Masters of Law from Osgoode Hall Law School, MBA for the Rotman School of Management, Executive MBA from the University of St. Gallen, and an International Commercial Arbitration certificate from the International Court of Arbitration in Thailand. MORE ... Anil has lectured at various colleges and universities in Canada and Internationally. In addition to writing and lecturing, Anil is a retired Canadian police officer who served for over 29 years in various roles including positions with Interpol, professional standards, business intelligence, corporate communications, and as an expert witness in the Ipperwash Inquiry. As an author, Anil has authored numerous papers, essays and has published a book on contemporary policing titled Mending Broken Fences Policing. Recently, Anil was a contributor to the book Emergency! Quarantine, Evacuation, and Back Again, a critical examination of the state of crisis and disaster management following the COVID-19 pandemic. Anil has presented his research at conferences in Savannah, Georgia, Bangkok, Thailand; the Netherlands, and Canada. As a lifelong learner, Anil has studied leadership and management development at Dalhousie University, public administration at Ryerson University, other courses at the Indian School of Business and City University in Hong Kong, the Insper Institute of Education and Research in Sao Paulo, and Fudan University in Shanghai. LESS ...
KIRSTEN KRAMAR [Alberta] – Kirsten is a Canadian sociologist, criminologist, and published author with over two decades of academic experience specializing in socio-legal studies, feminist criminology, and criminal justice. She holds a PhD from the University of Toronto’s Centre of Criminology & Sociolegal Studies, an MA from the University of Manitoba, and a BA (Hons.) from the University of Winnipeg. MORE ... Dr. Kramar has held faculty positions at institutions including Mount Royal University, the University of Calgary, and the University of Winnipeg, where she served as Full Professor and Chair of the Sociology Department and Vice-President of the faculty association. She has taught a broad range of undergraduate courses in criminology, policing, qualitative research, and socio-legal theory, with a pedagogical style grounded in critical inquiry and interdisciplinary analysis. Her scholarly work has been widely recognized and supported by numerous research grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). She is the author or co-author of several influential books, including Unwilling Mothers, Unwanted Babies, Sex and the Supreme Court, and The Disappearance of Criminal Law, and she has contributed to both academic journals and edited volumes on topics such as infanticide law, obscenity legislation, and wrongful convictions. A committed advocate for academic freedom and interdisciplinary scholarship, Kramar has served in leadership roles within the Canadian Law and Society Association and the Society for Academic Freedom and Scholarship. Her public engagement includes frequent commentary in national media on high-profile criminal cases, maternal infanticide, and legal policy reform. Dr. Kramar’s work bridges the academy and the broader public, demonstrating a sustained commitment to social justice, legal reform, and the nuanced study of law and power in Canadian society. LESS ...
CHERYL FAWCETT [Alberta] – Cheryl Fawcett is a highly experienced accounting and payroll professional with a strong background in full-cycle accounting, payroll administration, and benefits management. Throughout her career, she has worked with a diverse range of companies across multiple industries, including healthcare, resources, construction, and not-for-profits. Cheryl is well known for driving efficiency and delivering cost-effective solutions. MORE ... Cheryl has a strong and diverse educational background. She holds a Google Coursera Data Analytics certificate, an Accelerated Accounting diploma from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, and certifications in Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) from the Canadian Payroll Association and Petroleum Production Accounting from Mount Royal University. Additionally, she earned a certificate in the Pillars of Management, also from Mount Royal University. Cheryl’s career spans roles in payroll, accounting, and office management, where she has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and organizational skills. She has managed multi-company payrolls, implemented efficient systems, and improved financial reporting processes. Notable positions in her career include roles at TotalCardiology, Paramount Resources, and Friday Professional Group, where she successfully managed payroll and accounting functions while achieving significant reductions in overhead costs. In addition, Cheryl is a dedicated community volunteer who has over 30 years of experience serving on various local municipal boards and committees dedicated to students and seniors. LESS ...
LIRIKA SHKRELI [London] – Lirika is an independent public policy researcher living in London, England. Lirika holds a Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) from the University of Calgary and a Master of Arts degree (Public Policy) from King’s College London. Lirika’s engagements have provided her with a wealth of diverse experience in a variety of public policy areas. Her main policy interests are immigration and foreign policy. MORE ... Lirika has also held positions at MI-3 Economic Consulting Service Inc. in Calgary, where she provided research of asymmetric and symmetric information for select clients, and at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy in Winnipeg, where she conducted research on a range of policy areas including housing affordability and environmental sustainability. Lirika’s passion for human rights propels her professional and voluntary work. She has conducted research for a non-profit organization in Pristina, Kosovo, whose mission is to promote human rights and democratic values. She has volunteered at the Women’s Centre of Calgary to support women in the community. Lirika enjoys traveling, exploring museums, and discovering quirky coffee shops (where she opts for a cup of tea instead). She is bilingual in Albanian and English. LESS ...
EAMONN BROSNAN [Newfoundland & Labrador] – Eamonn is a freelance Systems Analyst, programmer, and IT Consultant who owns and operates Blue Avalon Software Inc.. Eamonn has Bachelor of Arts degree from Memorial University (Classical Studies), as well as, Applied Information Technologists diploma from ITI Technical College and a diploma in Project Management from Mount Royal University. As a lifelong learner, Eamonn is currently finishing up a Masters of Arts degree from Memorial University (Ethics). MORE ... Eamonn has worked on a number of IT projects for a variety of companies such as Associated Engineering, United Farmers of Alberta, and Computer Aid Professionals. Specializing in the the Oil and Gas sector, Eamonn has held a number of Team lead roles with Canadian Energy Services, Shell Oil Company, and Suncor Energy. Eamonn is a regular commentator on issues arising in technology disruption and ethics. Eamonn has published several articles on topics such as: space exploration, technology landscape of social media, freedom of speech and censorship in social media, Canadian RF and EMR Standards, driverless vehicles, smart grids, and general data protection regulations. LESS ...