Simon Kennedy Joins Bennett Jones as Senior Advisor

Simon Kennedy has joined Bennett Jones as a Senior Advisor in our Public Policy group. A former senior public servant with three decades of experience in the Government of Canada, he brings extensive leadership across economic, industrial, health and international policy to his guidance to clients as they navigate complex government, regulatory and public policy environments. 

Throughout his public service career, Simon held several of the federal government's most senior leadership positions, shaping policy across Canada's economic, health and international affairs portfolios. As Deputy Minister of International Trade (2012-2015), he advised the Prime Minister as G20 Sherpa and played a leading role in Canada-US economic and security negotiations. He subsequently served as Deputy Minister of Health (2015-2019), where he directed major national initiatives, including cannabis legalization and the federal response to the opioid crisis. Most recently, as Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (2019-2024), he led policy initiatives in biomanufacturing, critical minerals, electric vehicle battery supply chains, artificial intelligence and quantum computing, while overseeing significant legislative and investment review reforms.

In addition to his distinguished public service career, Simon serves on corporate and not-for-profit boards and advises organizations on governance, innovation and long-term organizational growth.

Simon brings strategic insight to clients navigating Canada's evolving policy and regulatory landscape. His deep understanding of government decision-making, combined with his experience leading major economic and industrial initiatives, further strengthens our ability to help clients anticipate change, manage risk and advance their business objectives.

Simon joins a Public Policy team recognized for its experience helping shape policy in Canada and advising clients on some of the country's most significant economic, regulatory and public affairs matters. The team provides strategic counsel that helps businesses anticipate change, navigate complexity and position themselves for success in an increasingly complex global environment.