Toronto (June 1, 2016) — Robert Ghiz, former premier of Prince Edward Island, has joined Gowling WLG in the role of senior business adviser. Ghiz will play an important role in growing the firm’s domestic and international business, and will provide strategic business advice to the firm’s clients across a wide range of sectors.
Ghiz has nearly 20 years of experience in government affairs and public policy — including 12 years in elected office. A former adviser to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and manager of government affairs for the Bank of Nova Scotia, Ghiz was elected to P.E.I.’s legislative assembly in 2003 and then re-elected as premier in 2007.
“Never one to settle for the status quo, Robert spearheaded major economic and social reforms as premier of Prince Edward Island, significantly improving the lives of its residents,” said Peter Lukasiewicz, CEO of Gowling WLG Canada. “He’s a talented relationship-builder and tireless problem-solver, and will be an ideal ambassador for the firm and adviser to our clients, both in Canada and abroad.”
Ghiz is highly regarded for his success as premier in forging strategic partnerships and developing business for his province. In particular, his leadership during multiple overseas trade missions, , contributed to the growth of P.E.I.’s aerospace, agriculture, bioscience and fisheries industries — and helped the province achieve unprecedented export levels and employment rates.
During his time in office, Ghiz was also instrumental in modernizing the province’s health care system with the introduction of Health P.E.I. and oversaw key reforms to the education system.
“Serving the people of P.E.I. was an incredible honour, and I’m now ready to begin the next phase of my career in the private sector,” said Ghiz. “With its strong industry focus and ability to operate fluidly across borders, Gowling WLG is a world-class law firm that understands the challenges and opportunities of today’s global economy. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to help further our clients’ business interests around the world.”
Since leaving office in February 2015, Ghiz has worked as an independent business consultant, advising a diverse corporate clientele. He remains a highly sought-after public speaker on a variety of topics, and serves on boards for both the Prince’s Charities Canada and the True Patriot Love Foundation.
ABOUT GOWLING WLG
Gowling WLG is a new international law firm created by the combination of Gowlings, a leading Canadian law firm, and Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co (WLG), a leading U.K.-based international law firm.
With more than 1,500 legal professionals in 18 cities worldwide, we provide our clients with in-depth expertise in key global sectors and a suite of legal services at home and abroad. We see the world through our clients’ eyes, and collaborate across countries, offices, service areas and sectors to help them succeed, no matter how challenging the circumstances. Learn more at gowlingwlg.com