Porter O’Brien Expands National Team with Senior Government Affairs Hire in Halifax

HALIFAX (Sep. 8, 2026) – Porter O'Brien's growing national public affairs consultancy now counts Chris Yonke among its ranks, who has joined as a senior consultant in government affairs based in Halifax.

“We have long served clients with Nova Scotia needs using resources with roots to the province,” said partner and co-founder Tim Porter, who previously spent five years in Halifax as the head of the Council of Atlantic Premiers secretariat. “But having Chris on board really takes this to the next level.”

Yonke’s career has included working with Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, National Defence, Foreign Affairs, and developing international trade alliances. He has worked inside provincial and federal governments, providing advice to leaders and navigating complex environments. After working globally with politicians and institutions, he returned home to be a Special Advisor in the Houston government.

I’m excited to be back in a consulting capacity to help organizations navigate complex political landscapes and capture new business opportunities," said Chris Yonke. "Organizations are facing sudden and often complicated hurdles. My goal is to provide the strategic insights needed to achieve their success."

With this hire, Porter O'Brien now employs personnel in Calgary, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax, in addition to its New Brunswick operations.

“As one of Atlantic Canada's largest public affairs firms and the only national public affairs firm headquartered in the region, we felt adding boots on the ground in our region's largest city was an important part of our growth strategy,” said partner and co-founder Jordan O'Brien. “Chris adds significant experience to our government affairs practice in the education, energy and defence sectors, with work experience federally, in Nova Scotia, and internationally.”

Porter O'Brien offers services in communications and marketing, government affairs, and management consulting. With over 25 employees and a proven network of partners, they provide local knowledge with national reach to clients from across Canada and beyond.

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