Bennett Jones: Simon Kennedy Joins as Senior Public Policy Advisor

• Simon Kennedy has joined Bennett Jones as a senior public policy advisor, significantly bolstering the firm's expertise in Canadian governmental affairs.
• Kennedy served over 30 years in the federal government, including three terms as Deputy Minister for International Trade, Health, and Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
• His extensive experience includes leading Canada's foreign investment review process and overseeing reforms to the Investment Canada Act, Competition Act, and Telecommunications Act.
• He managed significant policy initiatives such as cannabis legalization, trade agreements with the EU and South Korea, and strategies for critical minerals and AI.
• Kennedy's appointment continues a firm tradition of integrating distinguished public servants, like John Manley and Allan Gotlieb, into its public policy group.

His profound understanding of government operations, from trade negotiations to sector-specific policy development, means the firm can now offer even more sophisticated guidance on public policy, regulatory affairs, and government relations.

Bennett Jones has significantly strengthened its public policy practice with the addition of Simon Kennedy as a senior public policy advisor. This strategic move enhances the firm's capacity to offer sophisticated counsel on intricate Canadian governmental affairs. Kennedy, a distinguished former senior public servant, brings an impressive three decades of experience navigating the complexities of federal policy-making. His extensive career has provided him with deep leadership insights across critical domains, including economic, industrial, health, and international policy. His arrival underscores Bennett Jones' commitment to providing clients with unparalleled expertise in understanding and engaging with the Canadian federal landscape.

Simon Kennedy's career is marked by a series of high-profile leadership roles within the Canadian federal government, culminating in three distinct appointments as Deputy Minister. From 2012 to 2015, he served as Deputy Minister of International Trade, where he played a pivotal role as the G20 Sherpa, advising the Prime Minister on global economic matters. During this period, he oversaw the successful conclusion of significant trade agreements with both the European Union and South Korea. Furthermore, he acted as the Prime Minister's lead negotiator with the United States on the Canada-US Action Plan on Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness, demonstrating his expertise in international relations and trade policy.

Transitioning to Deputy Minister of Health in 2015, Kennedy managed several landmark initiatives, including the federal government's response to the opioid crisis and the complex process of cannabis legalization. He was instrumental in guiding Health Canada's regulatory and health promotion mandate, supervising crucial reforms related to pharmaceutical pricing, food labelling standards, and tobacco control measures. This period showcased his profound understanding of Canadian regulatory affairs and his ability to steer major social and health policy changes.

Most recently, as Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development starting in 2019, Kennedy spearheaded policy development in emerging and critical sectors. His leadership encompassed initiatives in critical minerals, electric vehicle battery supply chains, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. He also directed efforts to rebuild domestic biomanufacturing capabilities following the COVID-19 pandemic. Crucially for clients seeking an Investment Canada Act advisor, he supervised significant legislative and investment review reforms, including those impacting the Investment Canada Act, the Competition Act, and the Telecommunications Act. In this capacity, he also led the nation's foreign investment review process, making him a preeminent Canadian regulatory affairs expert in this vital area.

The integration of Simon Kennedy into Bennett Jones' public policy group provides a substantial advantage for clients grappling with the intricacies of federal government processes. His direct experience leading Canada's foreign investment review, coupled with his oversight of major legislative reforms, positions him as an invaluable resource for companies navigating the Investment Canada Act and other critical regulatory frameworks. His profound understanding of government operations, from trade negotiations to sector-specific policy development, means the firm can now offer even more sophisticated guidance on public policy, regulatory affairs, and government relations. This enhanced expertise is particularly relevant for businesses operating in highly regulated sectors or those involved in significant cross-border transactions.

Beyond his direct work with Bennett Jones, Kennedy maintains active advisory roles, serving as a senior advisor to Esplanade Ventures, a health technology-focused venture capital firm, and to Teneo, a global advisory firm. He also contributes to the governance of several organizations, sitting on the boards of Finchley Pharmaceuticals, Quantum Valley Ideas Lab, and Brain Canada. His past board service includes the Mental Health Commission of Canada, the Canadian Institute for Health Information, and the Ottawa Community Foundation, further illustrating his broad engagement across various sectors. His educational background includes a bachelor's degree in public relations from Mount Saint Vincent University, an MSc in communications management from Syracuse University, participation in INSEAD's advanced management programme in 2009, and an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.

Simon Kennedy's appointment continues a proud tradition within Bennett Jones' public policy group of attracting individuals with exceptional backgrounds in Canadian public service. Over the past decade, the firm has benefited from the insights of figures such as John Manley, who previously held significant cabinet portfolios including deputy prime minister, minister of foreign affairs, finance minister, and industry minister. Similarly, Allan Gotlieb, who served as the Canadian ambassador to the United States, contributed his expertise to the firm for 13 years. This history underscores the caliber of the public policy group and the strategic value Bennett Jones places on deep governmental experience to serve its clients effectively.

This appointment significantly bolsters Bennett Jones' capacity to advise clients on complex Canadian public policy, regulatory affairs, and government relations. Lawyers and compliance officers should recognize this enhanced expertise when seeking counsel for navigating intricate federal government processes, particularly concerning foreign investment review, trade, and sector-specific regulations.

Source: Original reporting via industry publication