ABOUT ALTITUDE
Altitude was founded on a simple belief: organizations facing consequential decisions deserve experienced strategic counsel, not transactional consulting.
The practice remains independent by design—close to the decisions, accountable to the relationship, and attentive to what follows.
The decisions that matter most rarely fit inside one discipline.
Government, reputation, stakeholder confidence, and organizational strategy increasingly overlap. Altitude exists for leadership teams navigating those moments with clarity, judgment, and discretion.
THE FOUNDER
President, Altitude Public Affairs
Ben Smith’s work has moved between journalism, politics, communications, and campaigns—the places where public attention, institutional power, and personal leadership meet. He has advised principals at senior levels of business and politics, while his work has appeared in Canada’s most-read news outlets and been heard in the halls of Canadian power.
His career began in the media: as a television broadcaster with Rogers Media, and as a writer for Vox Media and TorStar Group. As the youngest credentialed media member in National Hockey League history, he gained an early understanding of the Canadian media landscape and the discipline required to communicate with presence and poise.
That perspective carried into strategic work with politicians, candidates, businesses, and associations, and into campaigns designed to frame issues, build trust, and move opinion. Before founding Altitude, Ben worked at a prominent Toronto integrated marketing agency, served as a Director of Communications on Parliament Hill, held senior communications roles on campaigns at every level of government, and was a Director of Communications at Ontario’s Ministry of Municipal Affairs & Housing.
His experience also includes advocacy campaigns, brand activations, influencer relations, and advising start-ups on communications planning. He has trained entrepreneurs and star athletes to find their voice and share their story. In 2021, Ben ran as a candidate in his hometown of Stouffville during the Canadian federal election—a personal experience of the scrutiny, responsibility, and judgment public leadership demands.
Senior attention is not a feature. It is the practice.
Every engagement is senior-led. Clients work directly with experienced advisors who remain close to the question, the relationship, and the decision. Altitude intentionally stays independent and selective: no unnecessary layers, no handoffs, and no process for its own sake—only thoughtful advice, trusted relationships, and a long-term view.
WHO WE ADVISE