ABOUT CHRIS GRAY AND ASSOCIATES
Chris Gray and Associates serve as strategic connectors to help organizations navigate complex government systems and amplify their voices where decisions are made.
When organizations partner with us, we ensure they are strategically positioned at the heart of key decision-making processes, amplifying their voice and maximizing their influence.
MEET THE TEAM
Chris Gray
PRINCIPAL
Recognized by The Hill Times as one of the top 100 lobbyists in Canada, Chris has worked in government and public affairs for 20 years. His career started on Parliament Hill working for MPs and a cabinet minister, before moving to the private sector with organizations including Cando, The Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and The Heart & Stroke Foundation. Chris also worked as a Legislative Assistant to the Minister of Indian Affairs. Chris is a graduate of Mount Allison University in New Brunswick.
Brendan Mackay
CONSULTANT
Brendan Mackay is a consultant with expertise in strategic communication and analysis in government relations and advocacy. He collaborates closely with many industry association clients, assisting clients in managing complex projects. Brendan is a skilled writer and researcher for CGA clients. Brendan gained valuable communications experience during his time at The Hill Times. He holds a degree from Algonquin College and has also studied at Carleton University.
Laurèl Laurin
CONSULTANT
Laurèl Laurin is a fluently bilingual government relations specialist with over 25 years of experience providing strategic advocacy advice and government relations support. She has successfully advanced public policy on behalf of professional associations, environmental groups, academic institutions, charities, transnational corporations, and Canadian businesses.
With a deep understanding of legislative, regulatory, and communications frameworks, as well as extensive knowledge of public policy development and the federal political landscape, Ms. Laurin positions her clients to achieve solutions aligned with their priorities and objectives.
Beyond her professional work, Ms. Laurin is actively engaged in community initiatives. She has co-chaired the Ottawa Bell Walk for Kids, volunteered at the Awesome Auction for the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, co-hosted Brain Injury Canada events, and serves as a proud Director on the CAPSA Board.
Dennis Prouse
ASSOCIATE
Dennis is an accomplished public affairs and government relations professional with over three decades of experience driving successful advocacy campaigns both federally and provincially. He has served in senior management roles with three national trade associations, running files as diverse as financial services, agriculture agri-food, and consumer products. He served on the Board of Directors of the Government Relations Institute of Canada and the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance, and was named to the Hill Times Top 100 Lobbyists list on six occasions. He has made multiple trips to Washington, DC to advocate on trade issues and build alliances with stakeholders, and has strong expertise on trade and tariff issues.
In his free time Dennis is a volunteer community football coach, and was named in 2025 to the National Capital Amateur Football Association Hall of Fame. He and his wife are residents of Ottawa.
Peter Seemann
ASSOCIATE
Peter brings almost 20 years of government relations and public affairs experience in Canada, with a focus on strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and communications. He has been active in Canadian political campaigns across three decades, including senior volunteer roles in Conservative Party politics, giving him a strong network and a close understanding of the Conservative Party of Canada's current direction under Pierre Poilievre. Peter also brings 15 years of private-sector experience running a family-owned manufacturing business, holds an MBA in Executive Management from Royal Roads University, and currently serves as President of the Albany Club in Toronto.
Peter's client experience includes representing the Convenience Store Association on tobacco-related policy issues, as well as Imperial Tobacco. That experience gives the team direct, complementary insight into how retail and industry stakeholders navigate tobacco and vaping policy in Canada, reinforcing CGA's existing expertise on this file and extending the team's reach into Conservative political and caucus circles relevant to CAC's federal advocacy.