CALGARY, AB Jan. 16, 2014 – Veteran journalist Doug Firby is joining the Canada West Foundation as Director of Communications.

Firby, who has extensive experience in communications, marketing and news media, was most recently with CREB® (the Calgary Real Estate Board). As a member of CWF’s executive team, Doug will help ensure the Foundation’s insightful research and unique western perspective will inform debate on key public policy issues.

“We are delighted to have Doug join our team,” says President & CEO Dylan Jones. “Our world is increasingly becoming more global and the West has much to offer in the way of resources, technology and talent. Doug’s experience with public policy discussions and ability to think strategically will be an asset as we expand our reach and secure the region’s place in Canada and the world.”

As the Director of Communications & Media Services for CREB®, Firby oversaw all internal and external communications and helped manage the REALTOR® brand and image. Previously, he acted as the Director of Communications and Media for Sunshine Village. He is best known for his six years as Editorial Page Editor at the Calgary Herald, and later Editor of Digital Content Development. He has held editorial and marketing roles in St. Catharines, Windsor and Winnipeg. An accomplished editorialist, Firby is the recipient of the Best Editorial Writing (Ontario) for three years running, and his newspaper won a National Newspaper Award under his tenure.

“With its three new centres of research, Canada West is producing some of the most cutting-edge thinking in, not only the West, but in all of Canada,” said Firby. “In its more than four decades of contributions to the national discourse, there’s never been a more exciting time to join than now.”

The Canada West Foundation exclusively focuses on the policies that shape the West’s quality of life. Through our evidence-based research and commentary, we provide the objective, practical solutions that governments need. For over 40 years, we have been a passionate advocate for western Canada.