Glendon Campus of York University | Campus Glendon de l’Université York

Public Affairs Council  

University of Toronto - Rotman School of Management

DAVENPORT ADVISORY INC. l MANULIFE l 
ONTARIO GOVERNMENT

Meredith Boessenkool is an innovative policy-based public affairs firm in Canada. Founders Tyler Meredith and Ken Boessenkool architected nine winning national campaign platforms since 2006 and have introduced smart political and policy changes across the country for the last two decades. 

Joined by Nathan Rotman, key policy architect for Rachel Notley and the federal NDP, and me on their leadership team, these Canadian thought leaders know how to turn their clients’ issues or goals into public policy priorities, crafting ready-made, comprehensive solutions for government.

Whether you need support federally or in any Canadian province or territory, Meredith Boessenkool Policy Advisors have the expertise and know how to help. Visit MBPolicy.com to find out more.

Meredith Boessenkool Policy Advisors

Senior Advisor

A forward-looking corporate and public affairs firm that works with organizations to enable them to navigate governments, their agencies, and other stakeholders, to achieve desired business outcomes and the flexibility to pursue their chosen strategies.
 
I take an active listening and action-oriented approach, leveraging extensive experience in both the private and public sectors in Canada and internationally.

DAVENPORT ADVISORY INC.

Principal

Northwind's mission is to provide uniquely tailored forums bringing together senior business leaders, policymakers, regulators, and advisors from a variety of Canada’s key industries to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes through a frank and open exchange.

Advisor & Steering Committee Member: 
•Financial Services (Banking) 
•Life Insurance Industry 
•Fintech 
•Disruptive Technologies
Formerly:  
•Capital Markets  
•Retail Investor  
•Housing Finance 
•Payments 
•Pensions 
•Property & Casualty Insurance

Northwind Professional Institute

Advisor & Steering Committee Member

Rotman School's executive programs, primarily for financial institutions, are customized, hands-on and aligned with strategies, objectives, and stakeholder expectations. Programs are facilitated by faculty and industry leaders, through real-life, real-time experiences to help organizations succeed in a challenging and competitive marketplace.

Advisor, International Executive Programs 

The Canadian Services Coalition (CSC) was Canada’s only pan-service sector association voice on international issues. CSC advocated for policies to ensure the Canadian services sector remain competitive through the liberalization of barriers that inhibit Canadian services exports and investment. 

The CSC's role is being carried forward by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and its International Affairs Committee, which will continue its affiliation with the Global Services Coalition made up of services associations from the US, UK, EU, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand, Colombia and Mexico.

Canadian Services Coalition

Founding Member & Chair

As an officer and member of the global head office leadership team, I initiated, developed and executed corporate and public affairs strategies to enable the company to pursue its chosen strategies, and operate successfully in its chosen geographies (1/3 Canada, 1/3 U.S., 1/3 Asia).  

Accomplishments:     

Led the company’s response to several reviews of the industry’s governing legislation, which were fundamental in allowing the company to pursue its chosen strategies, both domestically and internationally.  

Gained government support for the successful market entry to China, Japan, and Vietnam, resulting in the company being recognized as one of Canada’s leading international business success stories.   

Played a leading role in the regulatory approval of the company's merger with U.S.-based John Hancock Financial Services, at the time the largest cross-border transaction in Canadian history.   

Led the company's support of China and Vietnam's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO).
        
Secured support from the Government of Canada, the U.S. Government, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, Asia Development Bank, peer international companies and trade associations that resulted in the successful resolution of the company’s crisis in Indonesia that spanned three separate episodes in the aftermath of the Asia financial crisis, in what has become one of its most promising markets.

Formed and coordinated the activities of a cross-functional group made up of the General Counsel, Government Relations, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications for an integrated approach  of the CEO’s activities across the company's geographies with political leaders, senior government officials,  business and trade associations, media, investors and analysts.

Manulife

Vice President, Corporate Development 

The leading voice of Canadian business in China for 40 years on issues affecting Canada-China relations.

Canada China Business Council

Board Of Directors

Held various senior positions of increasing responsibility and accountability, including: Assistant Vice President, Government Relations; Assistant Corporate Secretary to the Board of Directors; Head, Corporate Communications; Head, Business Information Centre. 

Represented the company’s interests with governments, international financial institutions (IMF and World Bank), industry and trade associations, think tanks, and forums on broader trends and developments affecting the industry and the company from the geopolitical, economic, financial, and public policy and the regulatory environment.  

Accomplishments:

Established and accountable for leading the Public Policy and Government Relations function, representing the company's interests with domestic and international governments, industry associations, multilateral organizations, and other stakeholders.  

Facilitated and coordinated the activities of an industry task force on demutualization (the conversion of  Canada's leading mutual life insurers to publicly listed companies) including policy development and passage of enabling legislation. 

In anticipation of the company's demutualization, worked with the Chair of the Board to create its recognized and award-winning corporate governance program, including #1 ranking in the Globe and Mail's Report on Business Where Were the Directors. 
   
Established the Business Information Centre, serving the company’s global operations with research, analysis and intelligence covering industry trends from the broader economic, financial, policy and regulatory environment, markets and competitors.

Other Leadership Positions at Manulife

•Ministry of  Finance; Chief of Staff to the Minister 
•Ministry of Health; Executive Assistant to the Minister 
•Ministry of Industry and Tourism; Special Assistant to the Minister

Accountabilities:

Ministry of Finance (Treasury & Economics): 
Led the Minister's office in working with the Ministry in the development of fiscal policy contained in the Ontario Budget.  Key considerations were the early identification of potential issues related to the province’s long-term fiscal position, overall provincial debt management, and the province's credit rating. 

Ministry of Health: 
In coordination with the Ministry, developed responses to the challenges facing Ontario’s healthcare system and its funding constraints, including doctors’ fees, OHIP funding, and the system's finances in light of the fiscal realities at the time. 
	
Ministry of Industry & Tourism: 
Developed Minister's responses for the Legislature during the severe economic downturn and economic transition that the province confronted in the early 1980s.

Michael Landry