We are Canada’s trusted public affairs advisors.
What makes us different?
Experience
Our experience advising Prime Ministers, Provincial Premiers, Cabinet Ministers and corporate executives provides partners with unique advice.
Partnership
We carefully select our partners, prioritizing long-term relationships and generating sustainable value.
Impact
Our advisors draw upon extensive political, public service and industry networks to build impactful relationships for partners.
Diversity
Our advisors have served a diverse range of leaders across all major political parties.
Our people
Advisors with unrivaled expertise.
Our experience serving Prime Ministers, Provincial Premiers, Cabinet Ministers, and corporate executives delivers industry-leading insights for partners.
Meet our team-
Jeremy Hunt
Co-Founder and Director
Jeremy Hunt served as a Director to Canada’s 22nd Prime Minister. In this capacity, he oversaw the Prime Minister’s Executive Office, Tour and Business Outreach. He received an undergraduate degree in Political Science from Carleton University and a MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University.
-
Ray Novak
Co-Founder and Director
Ray served nearly a decade in the Office of the Prime Minister of Canada, including as Chief of Staff and Principal Secretary to Canada’s 22nd Prime Minister. In these capacities he oversaw daily operations of the Prime Minister’s Office and led strategic coordination in support of the government’s policy and communications agenda. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honors Political Science) from Western University.
-
Nick Koolsbergen
CEO and Co-Founder
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.
-
Andrea van Vugt
Chief Operating Officer & Practice Lead, Trade and Federal
Andrea has more than 20 years of experience working in the public and private sectors, advising some of North America’s largest businesses on bilateral and trilateral trade issues. Andrea was the Foreign Affairs and Trade Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada where she played an instrumental role in the conclusion of the Canada-Europe trade negotiations. Andrea also served as Chief of Staff to the Minister of International Trade where she oversaw the conclusion of trade talks with Ukraine, Israel, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Andrea will navigate complicated transborder activities for your organization, including trade and tariff rules.
-
Hon. Wayne Wouters, PC, OC
21st Clerk of the Privy Council and Head of the Canadian Public Service
Wayne Wouters serves as Chair of the Wellington Advocacy Strategic Advisory Board.
He 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.
Our values
The experiences and values that shape our people also shape our approach.
Our advisors uphold the values of those entrusted to serve leaders in Canada’s highest government offices. We strive to live our values every day while driving impact for partners.
Integrity
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of compliance across all jurisdictions.
Leadership
We embrace and empower the diverse experiences, ideas and perspectives of Canada’s top political and public service professionals.
Excellence
We strive to provide exemplary service that drives meaningful results for partners.
Collaboration
We speak openly, welcome feedback at every level, and champion ideas.