Melanie Paradis is an expert writer of speeches, op-eds and by-line articles for leading industry executives and politicians. Her work has been published in Canada’s most-read newspapers, and heard on airwaves and streaming services across the nation. An unflappable media and public affairs advisor, Melanie has worked with executives on Bay Street and politicians on Parliament Hill during high stakes crises and moments of transformation. From responding to environmental crises to delivering tough news about shutting down operations, to winning elections - Melanie is the steady pen you need. Melanie has over 15 years of experience in crisis communications, media and public relations. She has worked with a variety of clients across industries to manage their brand and stakeholder relationships through crises and to build coalitions of third-party advocates to help get their most important projects and policies advanced. She has led media relations and training for investment bankers, international athletes, a world-renowned artist, cancer scientists, farmers, and CEOs in a range of industries from transportation to mining to retail. Prior to striking out on her own, Melanie served in senior communications roles at leading national public affairs and government relations firms. Her previous in-house work at one of the world’s largest mining companies and a major Canadian Indigenous organization gives her unique insights into clients’ day-to-day communications needs. One of the most effective fixers in the country, Melanie has been at the epicenter of political scandals, and has lost track of the number of career-saving apologies she has written for politicians. Melanie has been at the front lines of election campaigns in Canada, serving in multiple national and provincial election war rooms, as well as in senior communications roles on three party leadership bids. As Deputy Campaign Manager, Melanie played a key role in Erin O’Toole’s successful 2020 Conservative Leadership campaign. She then served as the Director of Strategic Communications and principal speech writer in the Office of the Leader of the Opposition. She holds a B.A. (Hons) in Political Science from Wilfrid Laurier University and an M.Sc. in Rural Planning and Development from the University of Guelph. Melanie previously served as a member of the Board of Directors for the Centre of Excellence in Mining Innovation and the Royal Ontario Museum’s Young Patrons’ Circle.