Michel Breau

Michel Breau is Associate Vice-President, Federal Government Relations.

‍
Before joining WD, Michel served as Director of Parliamentary Affairs and Issues Management to Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. In this role, he was responsible for advising the Minister on the political impacts of Canada’s approach to foreign policy and international security issues; liaising with other ministers, MPs, Senators, and parliamentary committees; as well as guiding the Government of Canada’s response to emerging global issues. During this time, he was involved in the rollout of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and the development of foreign policy frameworks relating to the Arctic and Africa; Canada’s responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, renewed conflict in the Middle East, and concerns around the threats of foreign interference; supporting efforts to uphold international human rights and provide assistance to Canadians abroad; and managing regulatory regimes relating to sanctions and the export of military and other sensitive goods and technologies.

‍
Michel previously served in senior political roles supporting ministers responsible for Economic Development, Canadian Heritage, Tourism, Official Languages, and Multiculturalism. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he oversaw the development of key business support programs delivered by federal economic development agencies, including specific funds relating to tourism, community infrastructure, regional air travel, and seafood processing. He was also responsible for the creation of two new federal agencies – PrairiesCan and PacifiCan. Michel also has extensive experience in the culture and heritage sector, having supported the passage of the Indigenous Languages Act, the development of Canada’s Anti-Racism Action Plan, the modernization of Canada’s support for bilingualism and official language minority communities, the celebration of Canada 150, and the launch of major transformations to Canada’s creative and cultural sectors.

‍
Outside of government, Michel spearheaded the Canadian Dental Association’s response to the federal government’s historic investments in dental care. His efforts led to the successful launch of the Canada Dental Benefit and its successor, the Canadian Dental Care Program, as well as improved data collection on oral health and access to dental care and the Oral Health Access Fund.  

‍
Michel is also a veteran of political campaigns, with experience at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels in Alberta, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. Fluently bilingual, Michel is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where he studied Economics and Political Science. Originally from small-town Nova Scotia, he is now based in Ottawa.