Matthew Barnes

Matt is a Principal in Navigator’s Ottawa office.

He advises clients across a range of sectors grappling with high-stakes corporate and reputational issues. Matt offers unique insights on Canada’s media and political landscape, and his work has included support on mergers and acquisitions, parliamentary studies, cyber security incidents, litigation, and foreign affairs.

Prior to joining Navigator, Matt worked as a senior communication strategist and issues manager in the federal government, including for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. In government, he advised cabinet ministers on a range of high-stakes issues including Canada’s COVID-19 response, budgetary policy, and key Trudeau government accomplishments – such as the Canada Child Benefit.

Matt has also worked for a public relations firm specializing in the health care sector, and has worked on numerous election campaigns at the federal and provincial levels.

He holds a Masters in Professional Communications from Toronto Metropolitan University and an Honours B.A. in Communications from York University.