‍‍Ed Fast brings unparalleled experience in law, governance, and international trade to his role as Strategic Advisor at Sussex Strategy Group. A lawyer by training, Ed practiced corporate and commercial law for 24 years before being elected to Canada’s House of Commons in 2006, where he served six consecutive terms as Member of Parliament for Abbotsford.

During his tenure, Ed held senior leadership positions, including Chair of the Standing Committee on Justice & Human Rights and nearly five years as Canada’s Minister of International Trade. In that role, he spearheaded Canada’s most ambitious trade agenda, leading negotiations for landmark agreements such as CETA with the European Union, as well as deals with South Korea, Ukraine, and the original Trans-Pacific Partnership countries.

Ed was also in the room with Prime Minister Harper when he travelled abroad and met with world leaders like Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, Benjamin Netanyahu, Shinzo Abe, Narendra Modi, Angela Merkel and David Cameron. Over his many years in public office, Ed has developed an extensive network of contacts within the global trade and investment community and within Canada’s community of political and business decision-makers.

Recognized for his contributions, Ed was appointed Queen’s Counsel and awarded both the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal and King’s Coronation Medal. His extensive understanding of trade policy, investment strategies, and political decision-making enable him to provide clients with strategic insights and practical solutions to navigate complex challenges and seize opportunities in domestic and international markets.

At Sussex, Ed leverages his experience and relationships to help organizations achieve their trade and economic growth objectives with confidence and clarity. Outside of work, Ed enjoys music, sports, and spending time with his fifteen grandchildren.