ACTA names Suzanne Acton-Gervais as its new President

ACTA has named Suzanne Acton-Gervais as its new president. The announcement comes following an extensive and thorough recruitment process, with Acton-Gervais taking on her new role on July 10, 2025. She succeeds Wendy Paradis, who announced her retirement earlier this year.

Acton-Gervais most recently served as Vice President, Stakeholder Relations and Regulatory Affairs at the National Airlines Council of Canada (NACC).   Previously she held roles at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Airports Council International (ACI World), Transport Canada and Air Canada.

She has extensive experience in advocacy with federal and foreign governments and now looks forward to continued engagement with the federal government as well as with provincial governments from coast to coast to coast.

Acton-Gervais stepped in as Interim President of NACC during the pandemic and led Canada’s airline sector through an unprecedented period and helping to guide the reopening of aviation.

She also collaborated with ACTA President Wendy Paradis as part of the Canadian Travel & Tourism Roundtable, a national advocacy initiative focused on recovery across the broader travel and tourism industry.

Monica Johnstone, Chair of ACTA’s Board of Directors, said of Acton-Gervais’ appointment: “We are thrilled to have found a person of this calibre to fill the ACTA president’s role. Suzanne’s lengthy experience in the travel and tourism sector, as well as her extensive advocacy experience and leadership skills will serve ACTA members well as the industry continues its recovery and looks to the future.”

Fully bilingual and a passionate advocate for lifelong learning, Acton-Gervais also holds a Bachelor of Education with a specialization in Adult Education, aligning with ACTA’s commitment to education and professional development within the travel sector.

Commenting on her appointment, Acton-Gervais said: “I am honoured and excited to take on the role as President of ACTA. This opportunity to represent and serve the members of ACTA aligns with both my professional experience and my deep commitment to Canada’s travel and tourism sector.”

She continued: “ACTA plays a vital role in supporting travel agencies and advisors across the country, and I’m inspired by the opportunity to help guide the association into its next chapter and leading ACTA forward with the continued support of its dedicated and professional team.”

Outgoing president Wendy Paradis expressed her full support for the appointment and said she looks forward to working with Acton-Gervais to ensure a smooth transition.

Said Paradis: “We worked alongside each other advocating for Canada’s travel and tourism industry during the pandemic. She is an excellent choice for ACTA.”

Go to www.acta.ca for more.