Erin O’Toole, RMC 1995, Recently announced as Distinguished Fellow for Hudson Institute

Mr. O’Toole is also president and managing director of ADIT North America, a globally integrated risk advisory firm specializing in strategic intelligence, international trade, due diligence, security, and compliance.

Mr. O’Toole is one of Canada’s most respected thought leaders on geopolitical and domestic policy issues from his decade of service as a member of the Canadian Parliament and leader of the official opposition. Prior to his election to Parliament, Mr. O’Toole served as an officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force and worked in the private sector as a corporate lawyer and advisor.

In government, he served as the parliamentary secretary for international trade during final negotiations on Canada’s historic free trade agreement with the European Union. He was involved in trade negotiations with South Korea, Honduras, and countries within the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and led efforts related to regulatory cooperation between Canada and the United States. He also served as minister of veterans affairs and improved service standards and mental health support for veterans and their families.

In opposition, Mr. O’Toole served as the shadow minister of foreign affairs before becoming the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and leader of the official opposition from 2020 to 2022. In 2021, he ran for prime minister of Canada in a general election held amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He won the popular vote and advocated for a series of economic and geopolitical policies that continue to impact debate in Canada today.

A graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada, Mr. O’Toole was commissioned as an officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force flying on the Sea King helicopter and sailing operationally with the Royal Canadian Navy. He was awarded the Canadian Forces Decoration for his service and received a Sikorsky Helicopter Rescue Award.

Following his service in the military, he graduated from Dalhousie Law School and worked as a corporate lawyer and business advisor at two of Canada’s largest law firms and as in-house counsel to one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies.

From Mr. O’Toole:

“I’m excited to announce that I have joined the Hudson Institute as a Distinguished Fellow. In a time of increasing global uncertainty, the bonds between democracies have never been more important and neither has the work of trusted institutions like Hudson.  Founded in New York and now headquartered in Washington, Hudson has long been a leader in advancing smart dialogue to strengthen democratic alliances and tackle global challenges. I look forward to working with their exceptional team to help build bridges across borders, strengthen our trade and renew our defence relationships in an effort to secure a prosperous future for Canada, the United States, and our allies.”