Chris Lydon

Background

About Chris Lydon

With 25 years of experience both inside and outside of multiple levels of Government, Chris joined m5 Public Affairs in 2017 and has led its growth as the now largest government and public affairs practice in the region. An expert at building and maintaining strong relationships and in translating the language of industry to that of Government, and vice-versa, Chris honed his interest in public affairs and the motivations of populations and political decision-makers through his eight years in the Office of Nova Scotia's Premier where he served as a senior communications advisor and policy lead on numerous files. As a consultant he has worked previously in the private sector, representing some of the largest employers in Atlantic Canada including those in the government, medical, pharmaceutical, energy, financial, legal, gaming, Indigenous and non-profit sectors. He has also served as lead in-house counsel on government and stakeholder relations to Atlantic Lottery. Most recently Chris was a member of the 2021 Transition Team for incoming Nova Scotia Premier, Tim Houston. He is a former Chief of Staff to the federal Minister of Labour and Status of Women Canada and, before taking the helm at m5 Public Affairs, he led the on-the-ground crisis communications response to the Fort McMurray wildfire on behalf of Canada’s insurance industry. Now an advisor both on and to Governments, Chris has provided a career of sound, honest counsel and steady-hands in the highest-pressure situations our industry enjoys. A Dalhousie graduate, he is a co-winner of a 2017 IABC (International) Gold Quill Excellence Award and 2017 IABC (Canada) Silver Leaf Award of Excellence for his on-the-ground work in Fort Mac. He served as the Campaign Director (2016) and as Campaign Co-Chair (2020) for the successful landslide re-elections of the Mayor of Halifax, is a past-Chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters, serves on multiple corporate and non-profit boards, is a CBC Radio and Television pundit, the voice of the Halifax Wanderers FC and USPORTS Final 8, and received a Papal knighthood in 2013.