Chris Benedetti is a Principal with Sussex Strategy Group, and Head of its Energy and Environment Practice. With experience in both federal and provincial governments, Mr. Benedetti has an extensive background in strategic communications and public affairs.Mr. Benedetti has helped domestic and international clients better understand the policy and political imperatives that are the basis for decisions surrounding system planning and procurement, in complying with various rules and requirements, and in liaising with affected local stakeholders and communities. He also has led public affairs efforts in areas such as health care and biotechnology; agriculture; and international trade. He has spoken at numerous conferences and has been published in several leading journals. He also serves as a Director of the Association of Power Producers of Ontario (APPrO); Director of the Empire Club of Canada; Past Chair of the Recycling Council of Ontario; Advisor for the Certificate in Sustainability Programme at Ryerson University, and formerly Vice President of the Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy; President of the Public Affairs Association of Canada; and Senior Advisor to the Canada-Europe Roundtable for Business.Prior to joining Sussex, Mr. Benedetti was Vice President and Government Relations Practice Leader for a global public affairs and communications company. He has also served in held several positions in the federal government with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and as a political advisor within the House of Commons and the Senate of Canada. Mr. Benedetti holds a BA in law and a BA (High Hons.) in political science from Carleton University, and an MA in political science (International Relations) from McMaster University and the University of Bath, England. Active in his local community, Mr. Benedetti is Past President of Horizons for Youth, a United Way agency and one of Toronto’s largest youth shelters.