Colin Sawatzky

Colin is a lawyer who has held several influential roles in both the public and private sectors in a career spanning business, policy and international affairs. As a Consultant at StrategyCorp, Colin supports both the Geopolitical & International Business Advisory Practice and the Government Relations team. Colin leverages deep experience in legal analysis, foreign policy, and parliamentary affairs to advise clients navigating complex legislative frameworks and create solutions in an ever-changing geopolitical environment.

Prior to joining StrategyCorp, Colin served as an Analyst and Advisor in the International Affairs Section of Canada’s Library of Parliament, where he supported key parliamentary committees, such as Foreign Affairs. He advised both the Canada-China and Canada-Japan Legislative Associations during diplomatic exchanges with parliamentarians and ambassadors from across Asia, and during Canada’s participation in the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum. During his legal career, Colin also directed court proceedings and prepared high-profile witnesses at Canada’s Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference, completed his articling as in-house counsel at a human-rights NGO, and interned in international commercial arbitration at Beijing-based Zhong Lun, one of China’s oldest law firms. Before pivoting to law, Colin’s career focused on international business in the railway and biotech industries. Based in Taiwan, he served clients across East and South Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

He also serves on the board of directors of a national business association and serves as the Ottawa chapter lead of the Canada-China Forum, a non-profit convening organisation.

Colin holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Victoria, an M.A. in International Relations from National Taiwan University, a Juris Doctor (JD) and Licentiate in Law (LL.L) from the University of Ottawa and is a recipient of multiple scholarships for academic excellence – including the Taiwan Scholarship. His time in Asia allowed him to gain fluency in Mandarin, which later enabled him to work as an instructor to Canadian diplomats at Global Affairs Canada. He is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and licensed as a practising Barrister, Solicitor and Notary Public.