Michael provides government relations and strategic communications counsel to clients at New West Public Affairs. He brings expertise across many sectors, including healthcare, technology, arts and culture, energy, and infrastructure.

Born and raised in Southern Alberta, Michael earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Lethbridge and holds a post-graduate Professional Certificate in Public Relations from Mount Royal University.

Michael built his expertise in government relations and stakeholder engagement as an advisor to the Federal Minister of Health in Ottawa, working on a number of important pan-Canadian policy issues. Michael has also led and participated in political campaigns in constituencies across the country, including in Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, and maintains deep personal and professional connections across both conservative and progressive political networks, particularly in Alberta and Ottawa.

Michael served as the inaugural Deputy Chief of Staff to Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Carbon Removal Canada and Alberta’s Nonprofit Vote Council.

He previously served on the Board of Directors for peer-to-peer mental health support organization SupportWorks in Calgary.

Michael appears weekly on CBC’s flagship political program Power and Politics.