Thomas Gagné

Thomas Gagné, CEO & President of TOGA Strategies, is a Defence strategic consultant. With over 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors, he established himself as a trusted and reliable advisor to numerous provincial and federal ministers in Québec City and Ottawa. Fluently bilingual in French and English, Thomas brings extensive expertise in managing complex political and public policy challenges, particularly in the defense, maritime, security and procurement domains.

Over the past eight years, Thomas has held various roles within the current federal government’s political offices. Most recently as Director of Defence Procurement and Industry Relations for two ministers of National Defence, where he cultivated and maintained a substantial network of relationships with key industry stakeholders in the defence sector. Prior to that, he was a Senior Policy Advisor (Defense and Marine Procurement) to the minister of Public Services and Procurement. He also served as Senior Advisor for Québec and Issues Management for the Minister of Labour and held various positions with the Minister of National Revenue.

Earlier in his career, Thomas was involved in provincial politics in Québec City, supporting various ministers, including those responsible for intergovernmental affairs and indigenous affairs. He also operated his own consulting business as a consultant, coach and teacher at a local Entrepreneurial Center, assisting business start-ups and development.

Originally from Gatineau, Québec (Across the river from Ottawa, Ontario) Thomas lived in Québec City while he was staffing ministers there between 2003-2007.  He returned to the federal National Capital Region in 2007 to focus on business start-up consulting for various clients and, in 2015, joined the newly elected federal government’s political staff team, where he served until 2023.

Outside his professional career, Thomas enjoys good food and cooking, travelling around the world, spending time with family and friends, watching TV shows, and playing video games.