Matt Williamson helps clients navigate the policies and politics of energy, the environment and natural resources as Vice President of Energy Advocacy and Engagement for Western Canada. Having lived and worked in every capital city from Victoria to Winnipeg, Matt knows how to build and execute successful government relations and communications strategies rooted in a deep understanding of what powers provinces and moves decision-makers.
In his two decades of experience in business, government and media, Matt has helped shape durable collaborations between industry, governments, Indigenous Nations, and non-governmental organizations working to advance responsible Canadian resource development, the transition to net zero, protected areas expansion, and economic reconciliation through major project development.
Prior to joining Global in 2019, Matt served as Chief of Staff to the Energy Minister of Alberta, Deputy Director of Communications and of Issues Management to the Premier of Alberta, and Director of Communications to the Premier of Manitoba. In these positions he gained executive experience and insight across a range of controversial and complex files. These include output-based industrial carbon pricing, coal power retirement, renewable electricity and petrochemical incentives, oil and gas market access, hydroelectric generation and transmission development, and the establishment of Canada’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site designated for both cultural and ecological value.
Matt led the Global Public Affairs team in British Columbia before moving to Calgary to focus on energy advocacy and engagement in 2023. He started his career at Global News in Winnipeg and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the University of Winnipeg, and a Broadcast Journalism Diploma from Red River College Polytechnic.