Areas of Expertise: Trade Negotiations, Trade Law/Government Regulations, Public Policy, Strategic Advisory, Stakeholder Engagement

Ann brings to Wellington Advocacy decades of comprehensive experience in the development/implementation of trade legislation, regulations, and policies at the domestic and international levels. While serving as a senior public servant in the Government of Canada, Ann has represented Canada at the World Trade Organization (WTO), the United Nations (UN), and at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Most recently, Ann served for over six years as a Permanent Member of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) where she presided over complex cases in the areas of trade remedies, procurement, customs, and excise appeals. Ann also served as co-chair of the CITT Outreach Committee and helped to create the CITT Advisory Committee: a body of legal and industry representatives tasked with providing stakeholder insights and recommendations to the Tribunal. Prior to joining Wellington Advocacy, Ann has served as a strategic consultant for numerous high-profile clients on issues related to international trade policy and strategic communications.

Ann holds a PhD in Canadian Politics from Carleton University and has taught upper-year and graduate level courses in the areas of international trade law, trade negotiations, Canadian law, and public policy at two Canadian universities.

Areas of Expertise:  Government Relations, Policy Development, International Trade, Regulatory Affairs, Energy Sector, Innovation, Indigenous Relations

Wayne Wouters joins Wellington Advocacy with nearly 40 years of distinguished public service at the highest levels, serving Prime Ministers from both governing parties. He served as Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet from 2009-2014. In this capacity, Mr. Wouters served as the Chief Executive Officer of Canada’s professional public service and acted as Deputy Minister to Canada’s 22nd Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper. From 2004-2009, Mr. Wouters served as Secretary to the Treasury Board, acting as principal administrator of government programming and expenditure management. Previously, he served as Deputy Minister in several other departments across the public service. On the advice of the Prime Minister Mr. Wouters was appointed by the Governor General as a member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada in 2014 and appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2017. Mr. Wouters is a sought after advisor to executives and businesses across Canada. He is a Strategic and Policy Advisor at McCarthy Tétrault LLP and holds directorships at BlackBerry Limited, Canadian Utilities Limited, and Foran Mining Corporation.

Major-General (Ret.) Tammy Harris is a decorated veteran, proud Canadian, and thought leader. She served her country with distinction throughout her career, holding key positions such as Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force, Chief of Staff to the Chief of Defence Staff, Base Commander Borden, and Wing Commander Gander. She was also seconded to the Privy Council Office as a Military Advisor, specializing in defence, security, and issues pertaining to the Middle East and North Africa. Her notable deployments include serving as NATO chief planner for the Kandahar Airfield and Base in 2009. She was also selected as the Champion of Gender Perspectives for the Canadian Armed Forces, a role she expanded internationally. Her academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts from Acadia University, a Master’s in Defence Studies from the Royal Military College of Canada, and programs at the Canadian Forces Command Staff Course, the National Security Program, and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and Public Policy. Major-General Harris continues to influence national and international security through her roles on the Halifax International Security Forum's board of directors and the Indo-Pacific Strategy Advisory Committee. As a member of the Strategic Advisory Board, Major-General Harris will provide leadership counsel and mentorship to Wellington Advocacy’s top executives and advisors.

Areas of Expertise:  Government Relations, Policy Development, Regulatory Affairs, Stakeholder Management, Media Relations, Issues Management

Nicko is a seasoned government relations professional with an expert understanding of building relationships, achieving consensus, and delivering results in high-stakes political environments. Before joining Wellington, Nicko worked in the private sector, advising some of Canada's leading businesses on navigating the complexity of government. He has also served as a senior advisor in the Ontario government, political offices, and the civil service. He led teams responsible for policy development, stakeholder relations, and communications.  Nicko concluded his tenure in government as Director of Policy to the Attorney General of Ontario, where he led the ministry's policy mandate and managed politically sensitive legal affairs files.

Areas of Expertise: Government Relations, Public Policy, Strategic Communications, Media Relations, Issues Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Coalition Building

Zita is a seasoned public affairs professional with over 15 years serving in senior government and media relations roles at both the federal and provincial levels. She joins Wellington Advocacy after serving in a number of senior leadership roles in the Trudeau government, including as Director of Issues Management and a seasoned Advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Zita has also served as Chief of Staff to the President of the King’s Privy Council and Minister of Emergency Preparedness, the Minister of Public Safety, and the Minister of National Defence, as well as in senior media relations roles for the Liberal Party of Canada, including during the 2015, 2019, and 2021 election campaigns. At the provincial level, Zita has served in numerous leadership roles under former Liberal Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne, including as Director of Media Relations.

As the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wellington Advocacy, Nick draws on his 15 years of political experience across Canada to advise the senior leadership of some of Canada’s largest companies and associations. Prior to Wellington, Nick directed issues management for the Prime Minister of Canada, served as Chief of Staff to the former Premiers of British Columbia and Alberta, and as a political party Campaign Director.