Samuel Welcomes Defence Procurement Expert Thomas Gagné

We’re pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Gagné as Defence Procurement Associate at Samuel Associates in Ottawa, part of the Samuel Group of Companies. Thomas brings over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. He is recognized as a trusted advisor to numerous provincial and federal ministers, particularly in Québec City and Ottawa. Bilingual in French and English, Thomas specializes in navigating complex political and public policy landscapes, with a focus on defence, maritime security, and procurement.

His career includes various significant roles within the Canadian federal government over the past eight years. Notably, he served as Director of Defence Procurement and Industry Relations for two Ministers of National Defence, where he developed and maintained key relationships with industry stakeholders critical to successful procurement strategies. Prior to this, Thomas was a Senior Policy Advisor on defence and marine procurement under the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and served as Senior Advisor on Québec issues for the Minister of Labour.

“With his deep understanding of the interactions between government and industry, particularly in defence procurement, Thomas has consistently demonstrated his ability to navigate complex challenges in a vital sector of national security. His extensive network and diverse experience make him a key influencer in shaping Canada’s defence and procurement policies, helping to guide the country’s strategic direction in these critical areas.” — Goran Samuel Pesic, President & CEO, Samuel Group

Before joining federal politics, Thomas was active in provincial politics, supporting ministers on intergovernmental and Indigenous affairs. He also ran his own consulting business, where he provided coaching and support to startups through the Outaouais Entrepreneurial Center.

Originally from Aylmer, Québec, Thomas spent several years in Québec City working closely with ministers before returning to the National Capital Region in 2007. His time in consultancy during this period helped prepare him for the political roles he took on when he joined the newly elected federal government’s political staff team in 2015.