Jake Whalen

Senior Advisor, Economic Policy & Development @Halifax Regional Municipality

CA

Lead the municipality’s economic strategy and stakeholder engagement efforts, with a focus on inclusive growth, intergovernmental relations, and strategic partnerships.Key contributions:• Managing relationships with key partners including the Halifax Port Authority, CN, Transport Canada, and the Halifax International Airport Authority.• Co-led strategic engagement with hydrogen producers and potential end-users, securing funding from the Province of Nova Scotia to launch Halifax Transit’s Dual-Fuel (Diesel/Hydrogen) Bus Demonstration Project—an innovative 2025 initiative positioning HRM as a leader in sustainable transit across Atlantic Canada.• Developing and implementing a comprehensive government relations strategy to maximize access to federal and provincial opportunities.• Co-led the development of Halifax’s 2022–27 Inclusive Economic Strategy and the 2016–21 Economic Growth Plan in collaboration with the Halifax Partnership and regional stakeholders.• Selected by the U.S. Department of State for the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a 26-day mission focused on economic development and innovation.• Spearheaded HRM’s contributions to national initiatives such as the Amazon HQ2 bid, Smart Cities Challenge, and multiple federal funding proposals.

Xiamen University

Certificate in Chinese Language (Mandarin), Mandarin Chinese

Forum for International Trade Training

International Trade Professional Certificate, Certificate in International Trade

Saint Mary's University

Bachelor of Arts, Honours History with a Certificate in Chinese Studies

Queen's University

Master of Arts, History