Bernie Morton
Chief Operating Officer

Bernie Morton was appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Canada West Foundation in March 2025. A seasoned executive with more than 30 years’ experience in government, politics and public affairs, Bernie brings a rare mix of strategic insight, political judgment and operational leadership to the role.

Bernie has worked across all three levels of government in Canada and advised clients nationally and internationally in the private sector. He is recognized for his ability to lead organizational transformation, navigate complex policy environments and mentor high-performing teams.

Before joining the Foundation, Bernie was a national vice president with an international public affairs firm. There, he led national commercial platforms across strategic communications, crisis management, government relations and advocacy campaigns.

He previously served as chief administrative officer in two fast-growing western Canadian municipalities leading  full administrative overhauls—breaking down silos, improving culture and delivering multiple consecutive tax-cut budgets without reducing services. He also served as those communities’ director of emergency management. Bernie’s leadership on growth planning earned national recognition and awards from multiple provincial and municipal associations.

Earlier in his career, Bernie spent over 10 years in the private sector in Toronto as a senior public affairs strategist. Prior to that, he was chief of staff to Toronto city council during and after Toronto’s amalgamation. He played a key advisory role in establishing Canada’s first municipal lobbyist registry and ethics framework. He has also been recognized internationally for political campaign work.

Bernie holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Guelph. He is a Registered Municipal Administrator and a Notary Public. He has served on several national advisory and governance boards, including for Canada Soccer, Bow Valley College, Great Plains College and the Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance.

Born in Canada and raised partly in Argentina, Bernie is fluent in Spanish.