Catherine Swift , MA / 80

One of the most influential voices of small business in Canada, economist Catherine Swift has risen through the ranks of Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). She joined CFIB in 1987 as director of research, progressed from vice-president of research and chief economist to head up the administrative and legislative affairs departments. She became the federation’s executive vice-president prior to becoming president in 1995, CEO in 1997 and chairwoman in 1999.

Before her career with CFIB, Swift was a senior economist with the Toronto-Dominion Bank, and worked for several years in the federal government where she held several positions with the departments of consumer affairs and communications.

Swift earned an honours BA and MA in economics from Carleton.