I would make one addition to your theory. If NWBO is already in the process of entering into some form of strategic or financial arrangement with a biotech or fund based in Edmonton, then having a person within country would make sense.
There's no Canadian pharmaceutical companies partnering with NWBO.
They hired her because she's an excellent advocate. Simply because she has residency in Canada does not mean she can't represent the company internationally.
This is great news but Canada doesn't have a pharmaceutical industry. It's an extremely small country in terms of population comparable to a large US state.