Director
Principal at New West Public Affairs Inc.
Board member since 2024
Monte was raised in Drumheller, Alberta and Rosetown, Saskatchewan, and grew up hunting, fishing, hiking, and exploring the badlands and prairies. He has a lifelong interest in nature and conservation.
Monte started his career as General Manager of CHUM Radio Alberta before becoming the Member of Parliament for Medicine Hat, a position he held for 15 years. In 2006 Prime Minister Harper appointed him to cabinet as Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. He later served as Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. He retired from politics in 2008.
Previous to joining the board of Generate Canada Monte served as the Chair of Canada’s International Development Research Centre. He also served on the board of the Canadian Museum of Nature Foundation. He is also the founder and CEO of Calgary-based, New West Public Affairs.
Today Monte spends his spare time exploring the Alberta badlands and backroads, writing about nature and climate, indulging his golden retriever, Buddy, and entertaining his grandchildren. He and his wife Deb spend much of their time at their home on the banks of the Red Deer River.