ABOUT US.
When victory is your only option and you need loyal, sharp, and strategic counsel, Altitude is where you want to be.
"When you need loyal, sharp, candid, and strategic counsel in your corner, we have your back."
Your story is sacred.
It starts conversations and sparks curiosity. It showcases your values, your ethos, and what you’re all about.
Your story tells your audience about your purpose, and shows your stakeholders why they should trust you.
We get it. We know what it’s like to boldly chase victory.
We know how crucial every single engagement with your audience is. We understand how every second counts in the high-stakes world of communications and campaigns, and that there’s no room for mistakes.
We are a client-focused boutique public affairs advisory firm that leverages our experience in communications, politics and journalism to create custom solutions that tell your story in an authentic and impactful way so you can earn trust and win support.
We don’t just talk a good game. We don’t just tell you what you want to hear.
We tell you what you need to hear, and we fight alongside you in the trenches every step of the way.
When you need loyal, sharp, candid, and strategic counsel in your corner, we have your back.
And we deliver results, on time and on budget.
No barriers. No boundaries. No limits.
ABOUT BEN SMITH.
President, Altitude Public Affairs
Ben Smith is a no-nonsense communications and campaign strategist with a track record of results. He’s delivered for principals at some of the highest levels of business and politics, and helped leaders of all kinds find their voice when it mattered most. His work has been published in Canada’s most-read news outlets and heard in the halls of Canadian power.
Ben began his career in communications as a television broadcaster with Rogers Media, and as a writer with Vox Media and TorStar Group. He was the youngest credentialed media member in National Hockey League history. Ben understands the Canadian media landscape and helps clients tell their story with presence, poise and impact.
As a strategist, he’s helped politicians, candidates, businesses, and associations frame their narrative and spread their message in an impactful way. Ben specializes in building campaigns and creating communications strategies that move opinion and earn trust.
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Ben has helped launch advocacy campaigns, execute groundbreaking brand activations, build influencer relations programs, and advise start-ups on how to rollout their communications plans with results. He’s trained prominent entrepreneurs and star athletes on how to find their voice and share their story in an authentic way.
Before striking out on his own, Ben cut his teeth at a prominent Toronto integrated marketing agency, served as a Director of Communications on Parliament Hill, worked in senior communications roles on campaigns at all levels of government, and served as Communications Director to an Ontario Provincial Cabinet Minister.
Ben was proud to run as a candidate in his hometown of Stouffville during the 2021 Canadian federal election.
A TRUSTED PARTNER.
“Ben is a fantastic communications partner to work with. He is able to turn complex ideas into compelling narratives that strike the right chord with any audience. He takes direction, listens to my perspective and turns it into powerful storytelling that leaves a lasting impression.”
Scott Aitchison, MP
Member of Parliament, Parry Sound – Muskoka
Former Leadership Candidate, Conservative Party of Canada
“Ben is fantastic. He is passionate about what he does and is determined to excel and help his client’s achieve their goals. He has an ability to create and execute on very well thought out strategies, and consistently demonstrates great initiative and drive. We had a great time working together, and he brings great expertise and energy to the table.”
Suraj K. Gupta
Co-Founder, President & CEO, Rogue Insight Capital
Chief Investment Officer, The Gupta Group