Strategic Advisory Board

Chaired by the Hon. Wayne Wouters, former Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to Cabinet, Wellington Advocacy’s Strategic Advisory Board provides unmatched insight and policy counsel, helping our clients navigate complex government decision-making. 

As Chair, Mr. Wouters will continue to recruit executive leaders and subject matter experts to join the Strategic Advisory Board in delivering transformative counsel to Wellington Advocacy clients.

Meet the Chair: Hon. Wayne Wouters

Mr. Wouters joins Wellington Advocacy with nearly 40 years of distinguished public service at the highest levels, serving Prime Ministers from both governing parties. 

Mr. Wouters 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. 

In this role, Mr. Wouters oversaw the implementation and coordination of the Government of Canada’s policy agenda, including:  

  • Economic Action Plan: Devising and implementing the Economic Action Plan in response to the global financial crisis of 2009-10. 
  • Regulatory Reform and Competitiveness Initiatives: Overseeing major regulatory reforms and initiatives to enhance Canada’s competitiveness on the global stage. 
  • International Trade: Facilitating significant trade agreements, including the landmark Canada-Europe Free Trade Agreement. 
  • Defence Operations: Coordinating the strategic withdrawal of Canadian troops from Afghanistan. 
     

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.  

Meet the Board

Hon. Wayne Wouters, PC, OC 
Chair, Strategic Advisory Board
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.
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
Strategic Advisory Board Member
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.
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.
Bruno Saccomani
Strategic Advisory Board Member
Bruno Saccomani is a seasoned expert in global and national security and law enforcement, with over 30 years of service to Canada. Formerly Canada’s Ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, he led defence, security, trade, and global health initiatives. His career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police culminated as Superintendent and Officer-in-Charge of the Prime Minister’s Protection Detail, overseeing international security operations. Bruno’s background in intelligence, national security, and global investigations underscores his expertise in safeguarding national interests.
Bruno Saccomani is a seasoned expert in global and national security and law enforcement, with over 30 years of service to Canada. Formerly Canada’s Ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, he led defence, security, trade, and global health initiatives. His career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police culminated as Superintendent and Officer-in-Charge of the Prime Minister's Protection Detail, overseeing international security operations. Bruno’s background in intelligence, national security, and global investigations underscores his expertise in safeguarding national interests.

Navigating Uncertainty

In a landscape of increasing government intervention and uncertain election outcomes, businesses face heightened government and public scrutiny.  

The Wellington Advocacy Strategic Advisory Board is uniquely positioned to help clients navigate these challenges, offering unparalleled strategic and policy counsel to enhance competitive positioning and navigate complex regulatory environments.

Your Competitive Advantage

The Wellington Advocacy Strategic Advisory Board is uniquely positioned to help businesses: 

About Wellington Advocacy

Wellington Advocacy is a national full-service public affairs firm. We offer tailored solutions in government relations, strategic communications, and digital mobilization. Our team of seasoned experts is dedicated to driving positive outcomes for our clients. 

Contact US

To learn more about how Wellington Advocacy can assist your business in reaching its goals, please contact us at contact@wellingtonadvocacy.com.

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