Director

Christopher Smillie’s current role is Senior Advisor – Government Relations and Public Affairs for the Building and Construction Trades Department, AFL-CIO, Canadian Office, also known as the Canada’s Building Trades Unions.

CBTU represents more than 550,000 skilled tradespeople in fifteen trades in every province and territory.

Chris is responsible for government relations and public affairs with the Government of Canada in Ottawa, On. Chris interacts with Members of Parliament and various federal government departments on national issues affecting the construction and energy industry. Chris works for and with the affiliated construction trades to deliver a united message in Ottawa for the membership in Canada.

Chris attended and graduated from the University of Western Ontario in London,ON and holds an Honours Political Science degree. Chris is currently a master’s candidate at McMaster University / Syracuse University’s Master of Communication Management program.

Chris sits as an Advisory Board Member for Canada 2020 which is a progressive think tank based in Ottawa ON. Chris also sits on the Board of Directors for the Council of the Great Lakes Region which is a regional connector for governments, industry and stakeholders alike.

Chris is originally from Oakville, ON and now resides in Ottawa, ON with his daughter Aislynn. Chris worked for the Royal Bank of Canada and the Business Development Bank of Canada for a number of years as a relationship manager and commercial lender.