Deron Bilous is a Senior Vice President at Counsel Public Affairs, based in Edmonton.

Deron is results-driven with extensive experience leading Western Canada’s largest economic development ministry. Deron served three terms in the Alberta Legislature, both in opposition and government. In addition to being appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs and Service Alberta – he served as the province’s Minister of Economic Development and Trade (EDT) to attract international investment, leverage science and innovation, and support the Alberta business ecosystem. During his tenure, he developed important working relationships with senior industry and economic development leaders across Alberta and around the world.

As a creator of Invest Alberta, Deron oversaw the development of Cavendish Farms’ new $350 million production facility; a $250 million production facility expansion at Champion Petfoods; a new $40 million Amazon fulfillment centre; and more than 50 new companies relocating to Alberta in 2016 alone.

Deron negotiated new international partnership agreements – most notably, one between Guangdong, China and Alberta. This led to Alberta’s largest-ever trade mission with more than 85 Alberta businesses and associations and contributed to a $1.8 billion trade increase with Asia between 2015-2019. During his term, Alberta’s 12 other international trade offices attracted more than $1.5 billion in trade and investment.

Deron recently completed his MBA at Royal Roads University with a focus on executive management. He holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta. He also has extensive experience working and living abroad, where he became conversationally fluent in Mandarin, Spanish, and French.