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Earl Provost
Ontario Agent-General in Chicago. Ontario Representative in IA, IL, IN, KY, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI
Earl Provost is a seasoned political and government affairs professional currently serving as the Ontario Agent-General in Chicago for the Ontario Government's Trade and Investment Office.1 In this role, he represents Ontario's interests in several U.S. states, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin.13
Professional Background
Earl Provost has over two decades of political experience across various levels of government in Canada.1 His career highlights include:
- Executive Director of the Ontario Liberal Party
- Chief of Staff to Toronto Mayor Rob Ford
- Senior Policy Advisor in Intergovernmental Affairs at the Office of the Premier of Ontario
- Chief of Staff at the Office of Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly
Education
Provost holds a Master's Degree in Political Management from The George Washington University and a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from the Glendon Campus of York University.
Current Role and Responsibilities
As Ontario Agent-General in Chicago, Provost's key responsibilities include:
- Providing expert guidance to the Ontario government on trade and investment matters
- Helping Ontario businesses attract investment and grow international trade
- Enhancing Ontario's position in the U.S. market and establishing deeper local political and business relationships
- Promoting the benefits of a free and open Ontario-U.S. economic relationship
- Countering political rhetoric and misinformation related to "Buy American" policies
Appointment and Term
Earl Provost was appointed to his current position in 2019.1 His current term as Special Advisor (Full-Time) runs from January 27, 2022, to January 26, 2025.2
Provost's role is part of Ontario's broader strategy to strengthen its international trade presence and support economic recovery, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.14
Highlights
Busy time in Chicago! Happy to attend the Honoring Our Waters: the Tribal Connection to Stewardship event organized by the Great Lakes and St-Lawrence Cities Initiative | Alliance des Villes des Grands Lacs et du St-Laurent. Awesome to meet Mayor Marcus Muhammad of Benton Harbor City, #Michigan. Equally thrilled to meet Mayor Sheldon A. Neeley of #Flint, Michigan. Nice to meet Michigan State Representative Cynthia Neeley. Great to connect with Mayor Gino Moretti and #oakville Town Councillor Sean O'Meara. It was great to have Ontario Representative in Washington, David W. Paterson in Chicago. Always a pleasure to work with Madeleine Féquière, C.M., ICD.D. And Quebec Delegate in Chicago Jean-François Hould. Thanks to the very smart Jonathan Altenberg for pulling it all together. #openforbusiness
#Canada #UnitedStates #Ontario #Toronto #economicdevelopment #partnerships #innovation #crossbordercooperation #jobs #midwest #Michigan #Tourism #greatlakesregion #Illinois
Doug Ford, Victor Fedeli, Nina Tangri Prabmeet Sarkaria, Peter Bethlenfalvy Andrea Khanjin, Graydon Smith, Beth Richardson, Ontario Made, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Rocco Rossi, Rob Flack,
Jeffrey (JJ) Johnson, Patrick Sackville United States Embassy Ottawa and Consulates in Canada, Daniel Tisch, APR, FCPRS, ICD.D, Toronto Region Board of Trade, Stan Cho, Lisa Thompson, Mark Fisher, B.Sc, ICD.D, Gretchen Whitmer, Amos O'Neal, Joe Tate, Jasper Martus , Nolan Quinn, David Piccini, Michael Ford Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Jill Dunlop
Bin Lau
Great second day in Michigan talking all things #ontario-#Michigan. Productive meeting with Ryan Hundt, CEO at Michigan Works. Always a pleasure to visit with Marc Gadon and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission offices in #AnnArbor. It was a pleasure to meet with Mayor Ethan Baker in #Troy, Michigan and Tara Tomcsik-Husak, President & CEO of the Troy Chamber of Commerce. Grateful to compare notes with Canada’s Consul General in #Detroit, Colin Bird and Steve Neves. Also happy to work with the new Commercial Officer in the Ontario Trade and Investment Office in Chicago, Carson Markley. Very good few days to deepen the #Ontario-#Michigan relationship. #openforbusiness
#Canada #UnitedStates #Ontario #Toronto #economicdevelopment #partnerships #innovation #crossbordercooperation #jobs #midwest #Michigan #Tourism #greatlakesregion
Doug Ford, Victor Fedeli, Nina Tangri, Prabmeet Sarkaria, Peter Bethlenfalvy Andrea Khanjin, Graydon Smith, Beth Richardson, Ontario Made, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Rocco Rossi, Rob Flack, Madeleine Féquière, C.M., ICD.D, Jeffrey (JJ) Johnson, Patrick Sackville, United States Embassy Ottawa and Consulates in Canada, Jonathan Altenberg, Daniel Tisch, APR, FCPRS, ICD.D Toronto Region Board of Trade, Stan Cho Lisa Thompson, Mark Fisher, B.Sc, ICD.D Gretchen Whitmer, Amos O'Neal, Joe Tate, Jasper Martus, Nolan Quinn David Piccini, Michael Ford, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, Jill Dunlop
