Paul Blais
M.A., EcD.
Principal
t. +416 367 3535 / 241
e. pblais@millierdickinsonblais.com
Paul has been active in the economic development profession for 16 years. Over the last five years he has consulted for dozens of private and public sector clients. Prior to that, Paul held positions of increasing influence as a municipal economic development professional – concluding as the Director of Business Retention and Attraction with the City of Kingston, Ontario.
Paul is equally comfortable with projects in Canada’s smallest rural communities and the country’s largest city regions. With Millier Dickinson Blais, Paul primarily leads projects in Western Canada and Northern/Southern Ontario. Recently his work has taken him to the 24 municipalities of the Capital Region Board in Alberta (Edmonton region), City of Ottawa, Regional Municipality of Niagara, Township of Madawaska Valley, Temagami First Nation, Township of Nipigon and Red Rock Indian Band, Robson-Canoe Valleys of British Columbia, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (Fort McMurray), Town of Oakville and a joint project with County of Perth, City of Stratford and Town of St. Marys.
On the private sector side, his work is highlighted by a site selection assignment for Tiffany & Co.’s diamond polishing facility. Paul also works closely with the business community through the firm’s Business Retention and Expansion practice, having completed 20 separate projects in the last 10 years.
Paul is frequently asked to speak about his varied experiences at conferences and workshops across Canada. He has also published several papers including an article for Municipal World. Paul holds a BA and MA in Geography (with a specialization in community economic development) from Wilfrid Laurier University. He has his EcD. professional certification as an economic developer and has served on a number of economic development and tourism boards of directors.
He now lives near Kingston in the community of Sydenham with his wife Cara and their two daughters, Taryn and Abbey.
