Brian Topp

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A political strategist, writer and former union leader, Brian most recently served as chief of staff to Alberta Premier Rachel Notley. He also directed her transition team when she took office in 2015.

Brian has long been involved in both the provincial and national political arenas. He was Director of Research for Saskatchewan’s executive council before becoming former premier Roy Romanow’s deputy chief of staff. He was also the federal New Democratic Party’s national campaign director in 2006 and 2008 and, following the death of Jack Layton in 2012, he ran for the party leadership.

An avid writer, Brian has published extensively on Canadian policy issues. He was director of the Broadbent Institute until 2015 and was a partner in Kool, Topp and Guy, a strategic consulting firm.

Brian worked as the executive director of ACTRA Toronto for more than 11 years and has served on numerous boards, including the ROI Fund, FilmOntario and Pinewood Toronto Studios. He graduated with honours from McGill University with a degree in Arts, History and Political Science.