Team

Karl Baldauf advises senior leaders and organizations navigating complexity when decisions are contested, environments are uncertain, and outcomes matter.

As a Partner at Vantage, Karl operates at the intersection of government, policy, and investment – helping clients position major initiatives, secure public funding, and influence decision-makers. He brings clarity to complex environments and aligns organizational priorities with government mandates, creating opportunities and reducing risk in critical decisions. Karl’s strength is his ability to cut through noise and focus on what drives outcomes. His strategies hold under pressure and are built to move clients forward with confidence in dynamic political and policy landscapes. He is regularly called on to support high-stakes files where timing, positioning, and precise engagement is essential.

Known for his disciplined approach and sharp judgment, Karl supports clients across the full lifecycle of engagement – from early positioning and narrative development to stakeholder alignment and execution. His work spans industries and issues where complexity is high and the margin for error is low.

Before joining Vantage, Karl held senior roles in government and politics, including serving as Chief of Staff to the Hon. Peter Bethlenfalvy from his appointment as Ontario’s President of the Treasury Board through to his tenure as Minister of Finance under Premier Doug Ford. In this role, he oversaw the Treasury Board Secretariat’s (TBS) multi-year fiscal planning process—the foundation of Ontario’s annual budget, while driving transformative change across government and, at a critical moment, delivering record emergency investments in support of the province’s COVID-19 response.

Prior to this, Karl served as Vice-President of Policy & Government Relations at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), the province’s largest business advocacy organization. There, he built partnerships to advance non-partisan economic development policy on behalf of Ontario’s business community across a wide range of sectors.

Earlier in his career, Karl worked in public affairs, communications, and government relations at one of Canada’s largest professional services firms. He also served as a strategist at Queen’s Park for the Leader of the Opposition, as well as for two ministers in the governments of Premiers Mike Harris and Ernie Eves.

Karl holds an MA in Political Communications (Distinction) from Goldsmiths College, University of London, UK, with a dissertation focusing on socio-demographic marketing in political campaigns. He holds a BA (Honours) from the University of Toronto, Victoria College.

Clients turn to Karl when the path forward is unclear, the environment is complex, and the outcome matters. He helps them find the right vantage point—where complexity sharpens into strategy, and strategy drives confidence in action.

Andrea is a strategic marketing communications consultant with over 25 years of experience developing brand strategies, public relations programs, corporate communications initiatives, issue advocacy campaigns, and community relations efforts. She has worked with many of Canada’s leading organizations across the public, private, and non-profit sectors, helping them navigate complex communications challenges and opportunities.

She is known for developing integrated strategies that raise awareness, influence attitudes, build trust, and mobilize action. Andrea combines deep research capabilities to uncover meaningful insights that shape narratives that resonate. From public awareness to issue advocacy, she helps organizations elevate their stories and create impact. She works at the national level and across every region of the country in both official languages. 

Andrea also brings deep issue expertise, having led high-impact awareness, engagement, and advocacy campaigns for leading charities, foundations, non-profits, and associations – shaping how people think, feel, and act on some of the most pressing issues of our time. An expert on Corporate Purpose and social impact, Andrea helps companies align their values with business strategy to strengthen reputation and performance.

Andrea was awarded the Practitioner of the Year by the Canadian Public Relations Society.  She serves on the Boards of the Banting Discovery Foundation and Goodwill Ontario Great Lakes. 

Richard Mahoney specializes in public policy issue management, regulatory affairs and governance matters. He has helped solve clients’ business challenges in the fields of energy, public infrastructure, telecommunications, financial services, technology, land use and planning, and cultural industries, among others.

He has served as a senior advisor to the Rt. Hon. Paul Martin throughout the former Prime Minister’s career in public life. He has also advised and played leadership roles in several Ontario provincial campaigns. Richard spent many years as a partner of one of Canada’s largest law firms, serving as Chair of its Public Policy Practice Group. He is also a former senior VP at the infrastructure investment arm of a major Canadian pension fund and successfully led a practice at Canada’s largest communications consultancy.

A frequent media commentator on Canadian politics and public policy, Richard is also a former President of the Ontario Liberal Party. He has served on a number of private and charitable sector boards and holds a law degree from the University of Ottawa.

D’arci McFadden advises organizations navigating complex government, regulatory, trade, and media environments where commercial success depends on political alignment, stakeholder confidence, and disciplined execution. Known for her integrated approach to government relations, communications, and advocacy, she helps clients cut through complexity, shape the narrative, and move decisions forward.

D’arci works at the intersection of policy, procurement, regulation, and public opinion—supporting Canadian and global organizations across technology, infrastructure, energy, mining, alcohol-beverage, and trade-exposed sectors. She is recognized for her work helping technology, infrastructure, and consulting firms navigate public sector sales and procurement, positioning organizations to align with the Carney government’s priorities around modernization, service delivery, AI adoption, and expenditure review. Her strategies help clients engage decision-makers early, build credibility with government, and compete effectively in highly scrutinized procurement environments.

D’arci advises clients facing complex trade, policy, and reputational challenges, helping organizations define credible positions, engage governments effectively, and advance durable outcomes in uncertain political and economic environments. She has supported organizations navigating the evolution of highly regulated industries, including helping shape policy and advocacy strategies tied to trade compliance, competitiveness, and sector transformation.

Another focus of D’arci’s work has been advancing nationally significant major projects and infrastructure mandates. She has successfully supported projects from pre-FEED and regulatory review through to construction and operations, working with federal and provincial governments and regulators. She understands how to build stakeholder acceptance, navigate regulatory complexity, and align projects with broader economic, environmental, and political priorities.

D’arci most recently served as Deputy Campaign Manager (Policy & Stakeholders) for the Liberals in Ontario’s 2025 campaign, and led Communications and Policy for Bonnie Crombie’s successful Liberal leadership campaign. She additionally stays active in Liberal Party of Canada and Ontario Liberal Party organization in Toronto and Mississauga. 

In addition to her client work, D’arci leads People & Culture at Vantage, helping shape the firm’s growth, talent strategy, and next generation of public affairs professionals. She is a former Director of the Government Relations Institute of Canada (GRIC), a founding board member of Jack.org, a recipient of The Peak’s 40 Under 40, and an ongoing participant in the Banff Forum – Canada’s leading public policy conference.

D’arci holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Queen’s University.

Tausha Michaud advises senior executives and political leaders when decisions are contested, pressure is real, and outcomes matter. With two decades of experience across municipal, provincial, and federal politics, Tausha has operated inside government, in opposition, and on national campaigns. She understands how decisions get made and how to influence them.

She has worked alongside some of Canada’s most senior CEOs and political leaders, shaping strategy, managing risk, and advancing priorities in complex environments. Whether navigating a crisis, influencing public opinion, or positioning organizations in regulated sectors, Tausha brings clarity, discipline, and a sharp sense of timing.

Tausha is known for her ability to cut through noise and focus on what matters. Her strategies hold up under pressure, be it her advocacy for program funding, policy and legislative change, regulatory review, or corporate brand-building with elected officials. Clients turn to Tausha when their issues are existential, and she always delivers. 

She most recently contributed to Doug Ford’s successful bid for a third consecutive majority in Ontario. She previously served as Chief of Staff to the Leader of the Official Opposition and to the Conservative Party of Canada, and has held senior roles in multiple high-profile provincial and federal campaigns, including leadership races that have shaped the direction of the conservative movement in Canada.

Recognized by The Hill Times as one of the most influential figures in federal politics, Tausha remains an active and trusted voice within Canada’s conservative movement.

Robyn Osgood works with C-suite executives and organizational leaders when the reputational stakes are high. For more than 30 years, her communications counsel has helped leaders connect with the people who matter most.

Robyn has worked with health care organizations, regulatory bodies, national associations, and private sector companies, bringing calm to difficult situations, helping leaders connect with key stakeholders, both internal and external. 

She has a track record of developing strategies that can be practically implemented and measured, and that reflect each client’s unique situation. She has earned the trust of those clients thanks to her ability to manage sensitivities and diverse interests while providing counsel that cuts straight to the heart of the issue. She works closely and collaboratively to find straightforward solutions to complex problems, an effective approach that has resulted in long-term, trusted client relationships.

Mark Resnick is one of the most experienced, respected, and influential public affairs professionals in Canada. After four decades advising decision-makers at the highest levels, shaping national policy, and advancing the interests of organizations on the most important issues of the day, his name is synonymous with results in Ottawa. 

When getting it wrong is not an option, serious organizations call him.

Mark knows public policy from the inside, having served as a senior policy architect for the Liberal Party of Canada and as a trusted advisor to decision makers at the highest level of government . He knows where the levers are, who pulls them, and how to make sure his clients are positioned for success.

Having advised organizations across some of Canada’s most complex and heavily regulated sectors, including financial services, telecommunications, transportation, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, cleantech, and technology, Mark brings a breadth of experience that is genuinely rare. He believes that the best public affairs work does more than advance a client’s interests, it moves Canada forward.

The Hill Times has recognized Mark as one of Ottawa’s Top 100 Lobbyists multiple times, and he was elected founding President of the Government Relations Institute of Canada. In a city of experienced public affairs professionals, few have earned the depth of trust and confidence that Mark has. The results, the relationships, and the reputation speak for themselves.

Drew Fagan draws on a distinguished background that includes 12 years in leadership positions with the governments of Ontario and Canada. In addition to his role at Vantage, Drew is a Professor at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto. He was a Visiting Professor at Yale University in the 2025/26 academic year.

Drew knows government inside out, but he also can see it from the outside in, given that he spent the first half of his career at The Globe and Mail, including as Ottawa bureau chief. He provides strategic counsel to clients in numerous sectors, including infrastructure, transportation, tech and clean tech, higher education, and natural resources. He has worked with departments, ministries, agencies, and boards at all three levels of government as well as with Indigenous organizations and public interest startups.

Drew was a long-time Deputy Minister with the Province of Ontario. His portfolios included the Ministry of Infrastructure, where he oversaw development of two of Ontario’s long-term infrastructure plans, and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, where he had responsibility for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games.

Prior to these roles, Drew was Assistant Deputy Minister for Strategic Policy and Planning at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (now Global Affairs Canada). He was “Sherpa” to the Prime Minister for the Asia-Pacific (APEC) summit process and led the team responsible for Canada’s involvement in the G7 and G20.  

His other roles at The Globe and Mail prior to entering the public service included Washington correspondent, associate editor of Report on Business and editorial page editor.

Drew has served on numerous boards. The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is his focus now as it undertakes a major restoration and expansion. He also is involved with numerous think tanks and university institutes. 

Marta Morgan is a highly experienced policy leader with deep expertise in foreign policy, economic and trade policy. She brings a nuanced understanding of the evolving geopolitical context, Canada–U.S. relations, and the intersection of national security and economic policy. With insight into the federal government’s shifting policy priorities and decision-making processes, Marta advises clients on how to develop effective, impactful strategies to advance their objectives in a rapidly changing environment.

Marta previously served as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Minister of Immigration, and held senior roles at Industry Canada and Finance Canada. She worked closely with the natural resources sector as Vice President of the Forest Products Association of Canada, and has engaged with the telecommunications, manufacturing, and life sciences industries throughout her career.

She is currently Co-Chair of the International Economic Policy Council at the C.D. Howe Institute, a Fellow at the Public Policy Forum, and serves on several not-for-profit boards.

Marta holds a BA in Economics (Honours) from McGill University and a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Ashley Csanady is a seasoned public affairs consultant with nearly two decades of experience across Canadian government, political campaigns, newsrooms, non-profits and the private sector. 

She draws on her senior, cross-sectoral experience to provide clients with strategic counsel, advocacy insights, and political intelligence, with a particular focus on federal government relations and integrated communications and GR mandates. As a Senior Vice President at Vantage, Ashley leads client files across sectors, including natural resources, technology, energy and housing. 

She began her career as a reporter covering municipal, provincial and federal politics and public policy. She has also hosted podcasts and radio shows. Ashley left the newsroom behind to serve in the office of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne.

Ashley later consulted in the cannabis sector before joining the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, where she leveraged her ability to make complex, technical content accessible and developed a deep understanding of long-term environmental infrastructure projects.

Ashley graduated from the University of Waterloo with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in English literature and rhetoric with a minor in history. She holds a Master of Journalism from Toronto Metropolitan University, where she later taught as a sessional lecturer. Ashley has also served as a sessional instructor at McMaster University.

Her work has appeared in the National Post, the CBC, Vice Media, Queen’s Park Briefing, iPolitics, among others. Ashley remains a regular and active commentator on federal and provincial politics in mainstream media.

In 2026, Ashley was recognized as one of the top 100 lobbyists in Canada by the Hill Times.

In her spare time, Ashley is a cork dork and a Certified Sommelier under the Court of Master Sommeliers.

As a Senior Vice President at Vantage, Jonathan (Jono) Kalles leads complex client files across multiple sectors, including defence, finance and insurance, infrastructure, natural resources and critical minerals, technology and AI and agri-food. He also specializes in supporting clients in highly regulated industries and international companies looking to enter the Canadian market.

With over two decades working both in government and in federal, provincial and municipal government relations and public affairs, Jono has built relationships based on trust and confidence with some of the most senior political and business stakeholders in Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa and across Canada. Jono is fully bilingual and has a keen understanding of the machinery of government and regulatory frameworks.

Jono previously served as Quebec advisor to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, following time in senior roles to several federal ministers. He has been active in political campaigns in Quebec for over 30 years.

Jono is a respected political pundit and analyst, appearing as a regular panellist on CBC’s Power & Politics and also as a contributor on CTV News and CJAD Radio in Montreal, as well as Radio-Canada in French. Jono is a member of the Quebec Bar and practiced corporate and commercial law in Montreal.

Laura Kurkimaki advises organizations navigating high-stakes government relations challenges where economic interests, competitiveness, and jobs are on the line. With nearly two decades of experience spanning in-house leadership roles, consulting, and senior positions in federal and provincial politics, Laura brings a deep understanding of how governments make decisions and how to influence them.

Laura is a trusted advisor to clients across defence, financial services, transportation, energy, labour, healthcare, and clean technology. She is particularly recognized for her expertise in trade, tariff relief, defence, and economic advocacy, helping companies navigate the ongoing trade war with the United States, secure common-sense tariff remissions, and protect Canadian jobs and investment. In 2025, she played a key role in advancing several remissions relief mandates through disciplined advocacy and effective engagement with decision-makers, grounded in a practical understanding of how government evaluates risk, competitiveness, and economic impact.

She also helps organizations navigate complex geopolitical and economic environments, including trade diversification, supply chain resilience, and cross-border regulatory challenges. Laura brings international relationships to her work, advising clients in Ottawa on how to leverage stakeholders in Washington, Westminster, Berlin, and Brussels.

Known for her sharp political instincts and disciplined approach to advocacy, Laura helps clients cut through complexity, align with government priorities, and move decisions forward. She has built a reputation for delivering measurable results in highly scrutinized and regulated environments.

Prior to joining Vantage, Laura served in a senior role at another Ottawa-based public affairs firm. She has held several senior roles with federal and provincial Conservative parties, including at Conservative Party headquarters and as an Issues Manager in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). Most recently, she served as Principal Secretary to former Leader of the Official Opposition, Erin O’Toole, and as Deputy National Campaign Manager for the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) during the 2021 federal election.

In her spare time, Laura serves on Laurentian University’s Board of Governors. From 2018 to 2022, she served as an elected member of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party (PCPO) Executive as 8th Vice President. In 2017, she was named one of PR in Canada’s Top 40 Under 40.

Laura holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in Political Management from Carleton University.

Jeff has spent more than a decade and a half operating at the intersection of politics, policy and business, building a strong understanding of how decisions get made in boardrooms, council chambers and around Cabinet tables. Over that time, he has developed a reputation for helping organizations navigate complex issues with clear advice, steady judgment and a practical understanding of political realities.

As Senior Vice President at Vantage, Jeff leads teams that provide strategic counsel on government relations, public affairs and regulatory challenges. He works closely with clients to turn complicated files into practical plans, helping organizations manage issues before they become larger problems.

A seasoned lobbyist and communicator, Jeff has worked with governments across Canada and built relationships that cross party lines, sectors and jurisdictions. He has helped significantly expand Vantage’s municipal practice, particularly in Toronto and Ottawa, advising clients ranging from multinational corporations to local nonprofits. His approach is straightforward: understand the politics, understand the policy and focus on solutions that can actually get done.

Before joining Vantage, Jeff held senior roles with the Canadian Beverage Association and Scotiabank, where he led advocacy and communications efforts in highly regulated sectors.

Jeff is also a regular political commentator appearing on outlets including CBC News, CTV News, CityNews and across the Bell Media radio network. When he’s not navigating political headwinds, he’s usually out running through Toronto — where the route is often more predictable than the news cycle.

Liam Daly is a senior government relations practitioner in Ottawa who helps clients strengthen their stories, anticipate policy shifts, and achieve results in a fast-moving and ever-changing federal environment. He brings deep insight into federal decision-making and a practical understanding of how to move files forward within the Carney government, working effectively across Ministers’ offices, the public service, Parliament, and key stakeholder communities. Liam supports clients through every stage of engagement, from direct lobbying to navigating federal procurement, program funding, and approvals.

Liam advises clients across infrastructure, transportation, defence, aerospace, natural resources, culture and entertainment, and foreign affairs matters. He has led numerous major Hill Days and advocacy campaigns and has helped clients secure policy wins, program funding, and trade-related relief. He has also contributed to the rollout of federal initiatives such as the Canada Disability Benefit and supported efforts to advance a legal case to the International Court of Justice.

Prior to joining Vantage, Liam spent a decade consulting in Ottawa and developed an intimate working knowledge of Parliament and its procedures, as well as the political and policy landscape that shapes federal outcomes. He previously served as a legislative assistant to the Hon. Sean Fraser, and as a researcher and policy advisor to the Government of Premier Stephen McNeil in his native and beloved Nova Scotia. Liam has also previously served as the Manager of Public Affairs at the Canadian Construction Association.

Liam holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from St. Francis Xavier University. Outside of work, he enjoys running, skiing, ATVing, fly fishing, and is a karaoke enthusiast. Liam is also active as a campaign strategist and volunteer, having worked on and supported federal and provincial Liberal campaigns as well as several progressive candidates municipally across Canada since 2006.

Heather MacGregor built her career understanding how narratives form and how fast they can turn. A former journalist and political advisor turned strategic communications executive, she’s led communications in some of Canada’s most scrutinized sectors and built a track record of protecting reputation, managing crises, and shaping public opinion for organizations that can’t afford to get it wrong.

Heather has operated at the intersection of media, government, and business throughout her career, and that breadth is what sets her apart. She knows how journalists construct a story, how governments weigh their options, and how stakeholders decide who to trust. She builds communications and PR strategies around that knowledge, and her clients are better positioned because of it.

Her approach is rigorous and her counsel is direct. Heather is known for her expertise in crisis communications, issues and change management, and public relations, and is the advisor organizations turn to when the issue is sensitive, the audience is skeptical, and the communications have to be right. She brings the same discipline to long-term reputation-building mandates as she does to a crisis unfolding in real time and works closely with the government relations team at Vantage to make sure integrated public affairs strategies land effectively in the media.

Before joining Vantage, Heather served as head of communications and government relations for the largest agricultural commodity group in Ontario, and before that, led enterprise communications for a global, publicly traded cannabis company through one of the most significant policy shifts in Canadian history. Her experience in regulated industries also includes senior communications leadership in Ontario’s beverage alcohol sector. Earlier in her career, she served as press secretary and communications advisor to an Ontario cabinet minister and to the Leader of the Official Opposition and was a reporter at The Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star.

Marisa Maslink helps clients navigate complex political environments with clarity, judgment, and confidence. With more than a decade of experience in government relations, public affairs, and political campaigns, Marisa advises clients on political strategy, public policy, and engagement with decision-makers across Canada.

She works with businesses and organizations to understand government priorities, assess risk, identify opportunities, and build advocacy strategies that can withstand fast-moving, often uncertain environments. Her work spans Parliament Hill, Queen’s Park, the Alberta Legislature, and the Nova Scotia Legislature, and covers a wide range of sectors, including technology, cybersecurity, energy, agriculture, natural resources, healthcare, education, and not-for-profits.

Marisa is known for her ability to translate political complexity into clear, actionable advice. She brings a campaign-minded approach to client work, helping organizations sharpen their message, understand the decision-makers who matter, and engage government with confidence. Her advocacy work supports clients seeking policy and legislative change, regulatory engagement, public funding opportunities, stakeholder support, and stronger relationships with elected officials and senior public servants.

Prior to joining Vantage, Marisa worked at the Conservative Party of Canada, where she served as both Field Operations Coordinator and Outreach Coordinator. She supported national campaign operations and political outreach efforts, working closely with candidates, campaign teams, and elected officials across Canada. She was also a member of the Conservative Party of Canada’s 2019 national campaign team.

Marisa has an extensive background in political organization and campaign management, including managing federal and provincial campaigns across Ontario and holding senior positions within the Ontario PC Party. She served on the Party’s executive in the lead-up to the 2018 provincial election, which began a series of consecutive PC majority governments. In 2022, Marisa was recognized as one of the Ontario PC Party’s most outstanding campaign managers. She was named one of The Peak’s Emerging Leaders in 2023 and recognized as a Rising 30 Under 30 in 2024. She frequently provides commentary on current affairs and politics on television and in print media.

Marisa holds an Honours B.A. in Political Science, with a Minor in History, from the University of Ottawa and a Master of Political Management from Carleton University.

Tavis Nembhard has spent over a decade mastering public affairs, communications, and digital marketing. Whether shifting public opinion, rallying communities around a cause, or advancing policy, Tavis knows how to make people feel like they’re part of something worth fighting for.

With a career spanning government, politics, and the private sector, Tavis brings a blend of strategic depth and executional precision to every mandate. He’s helped shape the public conversation at the highest levels of government, directing digital communications for the Premier of Ontario, launching enterprise-wide campaigns, and expanding the Premier’s social media reach.

In the private sector, he led digital and communications strategy at Alamos Gold Inc., one of Canada’s leading intermediate gold producers, where he grew the company’s social media footprint and built a strong community of support for mining operations across North America. Most recently, he has advised, lobbied, and delivered successful communications and advocacy campaigns for some of Canada’s leading organizations across healthcare, non-profits, education, energy, and technology.

At Vantage, Tavis leads advocacy and campaign mandates, helping build momentum and drive successful advocacy outcomes.

Ashley Millman is one of a select number of government relations and public affairs strategists with senior experience inside both Toronto City Hall and the Government of Ontario — a combination that gives her a distinctive, hands-on understanding of how decisions get made, where they get stuck, and how to move them forward. At Vantage, she advises clients on navigating complex government processes, managing political risk, and advancing strategic objectives in policy, regulation, and implementation matters.

In her previous role as Director of Municipal Finance to Ontario’s Minister of Finance, Ashley led province-wide policy and funding initiatives impacting all 444 municipalities. She played a key role in advancing large-scale infrastructure priorities and shaping policy and investment decisions. She brings additional insights into the intersection of municipal authority and provincial jurisdiction, including property taxation, land use planning frameworks, and intergovernmental fiscal relations.

As a Chief of Staff at Toronto City Hall, Ashley oversaw politically sensitive files spanning local and city-wide priorities, intergovernmental negotiations, and integrated communications strategies involving residents, Members of Council, and City divisions and agencies. She has a direct, practical understanding of how municipal decision-making, political dynamics, and public messaging intersect – and how to use that knowledge to advance client objectives in complex regional and regulatory environments.

Ashley has contributed to the successful advancement of major projects and policy files at both the municipal and provincial levels. She brings particular experience supporting clients across regulated industries, including infrastructure and property, on matters from approvals and compliance to policy advocacy and risk management. She is a trusted advisor to clients seeking to navigate government, manage risk, and achieve strategic outcomes in politically sensitive environments.

Clare Casey gets to the heart of a file faster than most. A government relations consultant with deep policy instincts and a sharp analytical mind, she moves fluidly across municipal, provincial, and federal environments and has a track record of helping clients navigate complex policy landscapes and get in front of the decision-makers who matter.

Clare’s work spans natural resources, critical minerals, and technology policy, but her ability to step into new sectors and get up to speed quickly is one of her most valuable assets. She is tenacious and focused, with the analytical rigour to understand how policy decisions get made and the strategic instincts to know how to influence them.

Before joining Vantage, Clare conducted policy research within the Ontario Public Service, gaining firsthand insight into how government works from the inside, and prior to that, worked as a Marketing Analyst at American Express. She holds a Master of Public Policy from the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Queen’s University.

Andrea Duarte Munoz supports the development and delivery of integrated communications campaigns across public relations, branding, and media. She combines strong project management skills with attention to detail, helping teams execute effectively while maintaining focus on broader strategic objectives.

Her experience spans the full range of strategic communications activities, including paid, earned, and owned media. She applies sound judgment in issues management and works to ensure that communications are aligned with audience needs and organizational goals.

She is recognized for her ability to coordinate complex projects, keep teams aligned, and manage timelines in fast-paced environments. Colleagues and clients rely on her to help ensure work is delivered on time and to a high standard.

Andrea holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Toronto, graduating with distinction.

Jonathan Falcone utilizes his experience in media, political science research and academia to assist clients at Vantage.

Jonathan brings a deep understanding of working with and for Canada’s broadcast media. He was a production Assistant at Accessible Media Inc., mainly responsible for writing scripts, editing and some technical responsibilities. A highlight of his time was covering the 2013 Liberal leadership convention. While working towards his undergraduate degree, Jonathan also spent time as a host for The Filibuster, a political radio program on CKCU 93.1 FM, where he was responsible for researching story ideas, providing commentary on current political events and conducting interviews.

At Vantage, Jonathan supports our government relations and communications files. His strong voice, writing style, and editorial eye allows our clients tell impactful stories to the most appropriate audience. He continues to integrate his taste for politics and public policy into his work through his abilities in policy research, preparing briefings and always keeping a sharp eye on what is happening in government. His interest in policy and messaging builds from his time working at Canopach, a New York City-based consultancy where he focused on policy research and communications support.

Jonathan holds a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Waterloo, where his research focused on the relationship between religion and political populism in Canada. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Political Science from Carleton University with a minor in history, and a diploma in media and television from Algonquin College.

Matthew is a trusted government relations strategist who helps clients navigate complex regulatory environments and translate policy into tangible outcomes. Based in Ottawa, he advises organizations across housing, natural resources, steel, and financial services on how to engage decision-makers and move priorities forward with federal and provincial governments. Known for his relationship-driven approach, Matthew builds strong, trust-based partnerships with clients, allowing him to effectively align their objectives with government priorities to drive results.

He has built a reputation as a go-to advisor on housing policy, working with clients at the forefront of some of the most closely watched files in Canada, including HST rebate reform, development charge reductions, and building code modernization to enable modern methods of construction. His work has helped unlock project viability, cut through regulatory complexity, and accelerate timelines in a challenging cost environment.

Matthew is also a key partner to clients pursuing federal funding, with a strong track record supporting applications through programs such as the Strategic Response Fund (SRF)and regional economic development agencies. He brings a practical understanding of how funding decisions are made and positions clients to compete effectively, secure government investment, and deliver meaningful economic outcomes.

At Vantage, Matthew leads the firm’s VCmonitor service, delivering real-time, tailored legislative and regulatory intelligence that ensures clients are not just informed, but positioned to act ahead of critical policy and political developments.

Off the clock, Matthew is an active volunteer in provincial and federal Liberal politics. He serves as Regional Vice President for the Ontario Liberal Party in Eastern Ontario, where he leads regional strategy and grassroots organization. He previously served as Vice-Chair of the Youth Campaign for Bonnie Crombie’s leadership campaign, helping drive province-wide youth engagement and Franco-Ontarian outreach. He has supported multiple campaigns on behalf of the Liberal Party of Canada and the Ontario Liberal Party, advising on strategy and stakeholder engagement.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History from Carleton University and is a proud Maritimer from Moncton, New Brunswick.

Madison Kuchar helps clients navigate complexity and act with confidence in today’s increasingly messy public policy environment. With experience at the centre of decision-making across federal and provincial governments, Madison understands how priorities compete, how decisions are shaped, and how strategy turns complexity into clear action. Madison supports clients operating across jurisdictions, helping them manage risk, build durable government relationships, and advance priorities through disciplined research, policy analysis, and strategic communications.

Before joining Vantage, Madison worked at the Privy Council Office’s Intergovernmental Affairs Secretariat at the federal level and at Ontario’s Cabinet Office within the Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs. In these roles, she led key files spanning multiple departments, advanced critical policy initiatives, and provided tactical advice throughout the policy development and decision-making process. She has also worked in the private sector at Interac Corp., supporting financial institutions and product delivery, bringing a practical, results-oriented lens to her public policy work.

Madison is known for her collaborative approach, strong project management skills, and ability to cut through complexity to focus on what matters most. Clients value her clear thinking, steady execution, and commitment to delivering strategies that stand up under pressure. 

She holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Queen’s University. Madison was also a member of the Queen’s Women’s Rugby team, earning both provincial and national championships, an experience that continues to shape her discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

Victoria is a bilingual government relations professional who helps clients cut through policy and procurement complexity to determine the best way forward. She brings strong political insight, rigorous research capabilities, and a clear understanding of government decision-making.

Victoria has supported clients across a range of sectors, including transportation, energy, infrastructure, and technology, providing strategic counsel to help organizations respond to shifting policy environments, including navigating provincial and federal procurement processes and advising on government priorities. She has particular experience in Québec’s political and regulatory landscape, where timing and political awareness are essential. 

Before entering the field of government relations, Victoria worked in the postsecondary and non-profit sectors, contributing to initiatives focused on environmental performance and food security. These experiences helped shape her analytical approach and strengthened her ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly and effectively.

She holds an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a graduate certificate in Politics of Transnational and Global Issues from the University of Ottawa. She is a recipient of the Jean Chrétien Scholarship.

Nico Johnson helps Vantage’s clients connect with government and communicate their stories during high-pressure moments. With experience spanning Queen’s Park, Parliament Hill, and the private sector, Nico has worked inside government, in opposition, and on national campaigns. He understands how decisions get made and how to shape the narratives that influence them.

He has worked alongside senior Conservative leaders and government ministers, managing communications and issues management. Whether drafting speeches, advising on rapid-response messaging, or developing communications strategies that reach millions of Canadians, Nico brings precision and an instinct for what resonates.

He most recently served in the Conservative Party’s 2025 federal election war room as part of the scripting team, advising on messaging on behalf of the Leader. He previously served in the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, contributing to communications and issues management, and in the Office of Ontario’s Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, where he led the Minister’s digital strategy. Before entering politics, Nico built his foundation at a leading digital public affairs agency, developing content strategies that engaged millions of Canadians each month.

Lauren brings a strong foundation in strategic communications, public engagement, and political operations to Vantage. With experience in both parliamentary and constituency settings, she has developed a detailed understanding of parliamentary procedure, committee processes, and the day-to-day operations of government. She leverages this experience to track legislative activity, assess political dynamics in real time, and deliver timely insights that keep clients ahead of emerging developments.

Lauren has built expertise in stakeholder relations, media strategy, issues management, and integrated communications. Most recently, she served as a Communications Specialist in a Liberal MP’s office, where she led digital and print communications, developed content strategies, and executed coordinated communications plans across multiple platforms. Her work focused on delivering clear, consistent messaging in fast-paced and high-profile environments.

In addition to her experience on Parliament Hill, Lauren played an active role in the most recent federal election as Candidate Aide and Press Secretary, supporting daily operations and communications for a successful re-election campaign. She has also contributed to operations, tour, and communications efforts during the 2023 Ontario Liberal leadership race, gaining hands-on experience in a high-stakes and dynamic campaign environment.

Lauren holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a concentration in Canadian Politics and Public Policy and a Minor in Critical Race Studies.

Outside of her professional work, she remains actively engaged in politics as a board member for her local federal and provincial riding associations, and serves on the executive of the Ontario Young Liberals.

Kaitlyn Nava is a corporate communications professional who supports clients navigating complex environments. She leverages her experience in community engagement, crisis communications, and digital outreach to bring confidence to the strategies that matter most.

Give Kaitlyn a brief, a draft, or a rough idea, and she’ll elevate it, delivering polished material that clients feel confident putting their name behind. She has a talent for refining language, sharpening messaging, and ensuring every deliverable she supports meets the highest standard.

Before joining the firm, Kaitlyn worked in environments where clear messaging could mean the difference between public trust and public doubt. She supported crisis response and media operations alongside a regional police service, managing media monitoring and social media content to strengthen community engagement. She also helped the City of Burlington deliver real-time public safety messaging through Alert Burlington, ensuring residents received timely, clear updates during emergencies and critical incidents.

Kaitlyn has a sharp eye for complexity and a commitment to cutting through it. Whether supporting a communications strategy, tracking an evolving media landscape, or helping clients land their message under pressure, she focuses on what matters and moves with purpose.

Kaitlyn holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Toronto and a Graduate Certificate in Corporate Communications from Sheridan College.

Matthew McLeish helps clients find clarity and confidence in complex policy and political environments. With experience across federal government, political engagement, and strategic advisory work, he translates government activity and large-scale policy changes into actionable strategies that drive effective engagement.

Matthew’s work focuses on policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning. He brings a strong research foundation, disciplined communication style, and collaborative approach to client files, helping organizations understand emerging risks, opportunities, and government priorities. He is skilled at turning complex information into focused analysis that supports strategy and helps clients act with confidence.

Prior to joining Vantage, Matthew gained experience across three federal departments, including Transport Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Veterans Affairs Canada. In these roles, he supported policy development, briefing, research, and government operations across a range of public policy files. He has also been active in politics as a Constituency Assistant and active board member on his local riding associations, giving him a practical understanding of the relationship between policymaking, political decision-making, and stakeholder advocacy.

Matthew holds a Master of Public Policy from the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto and a Joint Honours Bachelor of Social Sciences in History and Political Science from the University of Ottawa. He is a recipient of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council’s Canada Graduate Scholarship, and his insights have been published by the C.D. Howe Institute.

Matthew Ouellette joined Vantage in 2020 as the Manager of Finance & Accounting. In this role, he leads the finance team, providing strategic financial leadership, advice, and guidance to the firm.

With over a decade of extensive experience in both public and privately-held organizations, Matthew’s skill set encompasses tax management, financial reporting, internal audit, accounting standard conversion, and strategic advisory services.

Matthew leverages this expertise to offer valuable insight and analysis, providing a comprehensive view of the firm’s financial health through internal reporting. He also manages the budgeting and forecasting cycles, contributing to the firm’s strategic planning and decision-making processes to maintain continued growth and sustained profitability.

Lynn is an experienced political assistant having supported senior level professionals in Government and Opposition at the federal level.

Most recently, Lynn worked in Administration and Tour and Events in the Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition. As part of the Leader’s Tour department, Lynn worked as an event planner responsible for coordinating travel and event logistics for the Leader of the Opposition. During her time in office, Lynn was primarily responsible for coordinating the daily activities for the Leader and their Chief of Staff as Scheduler to the Leader and Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff including during the 2019 and 2021 federal election campaigns.

Prior to that, Lynn was a political aide in the federal Ministry of State (Sport) working to promote the profile of sport and visibility of elected officials.

Outside of work, Lynn is a competitive curling athlete as a two-time Canadian champion at the Junior and University levels. Lynn develops and facilitates sport programming for athletes of all ages and abilities and was previously Coach of the Nunavut Junior Women’s Team at national competitions.

Lynn holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Law, from Carleton University.

Erika Muldoon is an Executive Administrator with more than 10 years of progressive leadership experience spanning operations, team development, and strategic execution. She excels at navigating complexity—bringing structure, clarity, and momentum to fast-paced environments while enabling leaders to focus on high-impact priorities.

Prior to joining Vantage, Erika built her career with lululemon, where she led one of the region’s top-performing retail operations. Her leadership was defined by a strong focus on performance and people: she developed future leaders, improved retention, and implemented data-informed processes that enhanced operational outcomes and decision-making. 

Erika is highly skilled in translating data into actionable insights and communicating with precision—whether through reporting, internal communications, or stakeholder coordination. Her ability to manage competing priorities, anticipate needs, and streamline processes makes her a trusted partner in supporting strategic initiatives.

At Vantage, Erika plays a key role in helping bring clarity to complexity—ensuring teams operate efficiently and with confidence in an increasingly dynamic environment.

Mariia Zavadska is responsible for managing day-to-day accounting processes and administrative operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and the efficient organization of the company’s daily activities.

Her expertise enables her to oversee accounts payable and receivable, internal reporting processes, and compliance with accounting standards.

With 4 years of experience in accounting and administration, Mariia has a strong background in financial management and analysis, tax administration, and budgeting.

Before joining Vantage, Mariia served in the financial sector, including roles at a commercial bank and an accounting firm, where she gained hands-on experience in client services, financial reporting, and back-office operations.