Chris Padfield

Chris Padfield, Vice President, Policy, Partnerships and Communications (V.P. PPC) joined the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) in February 2018. His responsibilities include the development of policies and strategies to help strengthen innovation and the economic ecosystem in southern Ontario.

Prior to becoming the V.P at FedDev Ontario, he was the Director General, Small Business at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) where he was responsible for the development of policies and programs supporting the growth of small businesses, inclusive economic development and the office of Consumer Affairs. 

Throughout his 20 year career in the Government of Canada, Chris has moved between policy and program delivery in various Federal departments including ISED, Natural Resources Canada and the Privy Council Office.

Chris has a B.Sc. Environmental Science, Honours, Environmental Economics and Policy Formation and a Masters of Arts in Economics both from the University of Guelph.

While Chris now lives in Ottawa, he was born and raised in Kitchener-Waterloo.