About Real North
Real North Strategies is one of Canada’s top boutique public affairs firms specializing in advocacy and strategic communications for large national and provincial trade associations. With a proven track record in helping organizations navigate complex policy landscapes, we blend data-driven insights with innovative strategies to amplify your message and maximize impact. Partner with us to turn your advocacy goals into measurable outcomes and ensure your voice is heard where it matters most.
About Real North
Real North Strategies is one of Canada’s top boutique public affairs firms specializing in advocacy and strategic communications for large national and provincial trade associations. With a proven track record in helping organizations navigate complex policy landscapes, we blend data-driven insights with innovative strategies to amplify your message and maximize impact. Partner with us to turn your advocacy goals into measurable outcomes and ensure your voice is heard where it matters most.
TEAM
Matthew Thornton
Founder & Managing Partner
Matthew founded Real North Strategies in 2023 after working over 16 years at Queen’s Park and as a public relations executive at Canada’s largest provincial association.
Matthew is on a mission to build a better Canada by helping associations, not-for-profits, and organizations solve the biggest public policy challenges of our time by providing world class advocacy and communication services.
Matthew is a proud University of Western alumni having graduated with an Ivey Business School Executive MBA (’22), Master of Arts (’07) and Bachelor of Arts Honors (’05). He also achieved the CAE designation from the Canadian Society of Association Executives in 2012.
Asha Holland
Vice President, Policy & Research
Asha Holland is a seasoned government relations and public policy expert with a strong track record in strategic advocacy and stakeholder research.
As Vice President for Policy & Research at Real North Strategies, she brings deep expertise in guiding national and provincial trade associations through complex policy landscapes.
Asha is known for her keen ability to craft effective policy solutions and build influential networks, helping organizations translate their advocacy goals into impactful outcomes.
Her passion for public affairs and commitment to results make her an invaluable partner in achieving meaningful change.
Partnerships
Texture Communications
Our partnership with Texture Communications brings strategic storytelling and content development to our solutions, ensuring your advocacy campaigns resonate with key stakeholders and stand out in the communications landscape.
Abacus Data
Our partnership with Abacus Data integrates expert market research and opinion polling, providing the insights needed to shape strategic decisions and elevate your advocacy or communication campaigns.
Kleurvision
Through our partnership with Kleurvision, we offer cutting-edge digital design and branding expertise to ensure our client projects are visually compelling and effectively reach their target audiences.
Let’s Book A Call
We’d love to learn more about your organization, the challenges you’re facing and how we can help. Virtual. In-person. Whatever works best for you – let’s set it up.
Let’s Book A Call
We’d love to learn more about your organization, the challenges you’re facing and how we can help. Virtual. In-person. Whatever works best for you – let’s set it up.
