Hon. Bryon Wilfert, P.C., M.A., ICD.D

The Honourable Bryon Wilfert, P.C., M.A., ICD.D, is a former Canadian Member of Parliament, educator, diplomat, and strategic advisor with over four decades of leadership in government, international relations, defence, trade, and corporate governance.

Mr. Wilfert served in the House of Commons from 1997 to 2011, representing the constituencies of Oak Ridges and Richmond Hill. During his parliamentary career, he held several senior leadership positions, including Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, Junior Minister to the Minister of the Environment, Vice-Chair of the Standing Committees on National Defence and on Foreign Affairs and International Development, and Special Advisor to the Leader of the Official Opposition on Asia-Pacific Affairs.

A recognized authority on Canada’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region, Mr. Wilfert chaired the Canada–Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group for more than a decade and also chaired the Canada–Vietnam, Canada–Indonesia, Canada–Hong Kong, and Canada–Sweden Friendship Groups. He represented Canada at parliamentary and governmental forums throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, promoting democratic governance, international security, trade, and parliamentary diplomacy.

Since leaving Parliament, Mr. Wilfert has continued to advise governments, corporations, and international organizations as Senior Strategic Advisor with Tactix Government Relations & Public Affairs. He also serves as Honorary Consul to Canada for Mongolia and previously served as Honorary Consul General to Canada for the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. He is a lecturer at Centennial College and serves on numerous corporate and public policy boards, including the Canada Pakistan Business Council (Chair), the NATO Association of Canada, the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians, the Global Organization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC), and the Macdonald-Laurier Institute Advisory Board.

His contributions to public service and international relations have been recognized through numerous honours, including the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, conferred by His Majesty Emperor Akihito of Japan; the King Charles III Coronation Medal; the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal; the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal; and the Arbor Award from the University of Toronto. He also holds the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D) designation from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto.

Mr. Wilfert is widely respected for his leadership in public policy, international affairs, corporate governance, and Canada–Asia relations, and continues to advise organizations on government relations, international strategy, diplomacy, and trade.

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