CCI Welcomes Daniel Perry as Director of Federal Affairs to Tackle National Challenges for Canadian Innovators

The Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) is proud to announce the hiring of Daniel Perry as our new Director of Federal Affairs. Daniel steps into this vital role as Canada faces a defining moment in its economic and innovation landscape. With Ottawa on the brink of a trade war with the United States, a federal election fast approaching, and critical challenges in ensuring the growth of domestic industries, bold leadership and smart policies are more necessary than ever.

“Our innovators are navigating complex and urgent challenges,” said Daniel Perry, Director of Federal Affairs. “I’m honoured to join CCI at such a key moment in Canadian history. Our advocacy will help ensure Canada’s technology leaders can scale globally, create jobs, and drive economic prosperity for future generations.”

Daniel brings a wealth of political and policy experience to the role. He has served as a Senior Consultant of Public Affairs at Hill and Knowlton, where he managed files in the fintech and health sector. Daniel knows how Ottawa works, having worked for the Opposition Whip in the Senate, where he gained firsthand experience navigating federal legislative processes and coalition-building. As an active member in Canadian Conservative politics, Daniel has played key roles in leading campaigns, organizing grassroots efforts, and mobilizing voter turnout during elections. Additionally, as a freelance columnist, Daniel has offered sharp insights on policy and politics in the Niagara and Hamilton media markets, establishing himself as a thoughtful voice on issues that matter to Canadians.

In his new role, Daniel will spearhead CCI’s advocacy efforts in Ottawa, working with homegrown innovators and public policymakers to address systemic barriers in Canada’s innovation ecosystem and champion policies that strengthen Canada’s position on the global stage.

“To secure Canada’s future prosperity, we need smart, forward-thinking policies,” said Benjamin Bergen, President of CCI. “This means reversing punitive capital gains tax changes to restore investor confidence, prioritizing federal procurement to support domestic businesses and create local jobs, and streamlining immigration processes to ensure companies have access to the skilled talent they need. Daniel’s expertise and strategic insight will be key to achieving these goals.”

CCI is also doubling down on its efforts to fuel commercialization by advocating for simplifications to programs like the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit, ensuring resources reach companies that can deliver results. Together, these initiatives are vital to creating the conditions for Canada’s innovators to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market.

“Daniel brings a keen understanding of federal policy to our team at a time when Canada’s innovators need strong representation in Ottawa,” said Dana O’Born, Vice President of Strategy & Advocacy at CCI. “The past few years have been challenging for Canada’s innovation ecosystem, with policies and conditions that have not supported companies’ growth. We need to build an environment where innovators can thrive.”

As Canada navigates these pressing challenges, CCI remains committed to advocating for the policies and programs that will drive economic growth, create jobs, and build a more prosperous future for all Canadians.

For more information about CCI’s federal advocacy initiatives or to schedule an interview with Daniel Perry, please contact daniel.perry@canadianinnovators.org

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ABOUT THE COUNCIL

Founded in 2015 by Canada’s most successful technology CEOs, CCI aims to amplify their voices in the public policy development process around innovation, countering the dominance of foreign multinationals and other entities not focused on Canadian economic growth. CCI’s CEOs lead Canadian-based innovation firms in sectors such as Healthtech, Cleantech, Fintech, Cyber, and ICT, driving commercialization of intellectual property, generating jobs and wealth, making investments, and engaging in philanthropy. We advocate on their behalf for government strategies that increase their access to skilled talent, strategic capital, and new customers, as well as expanded freedom to operate for their global pursuits of scale.