Jonathan Denis, Q.C.

Born in Regina, Saskatchewan as the son of a Canadian soldier and a teacher, Jonathan graduated with degrees in business (finance/marketing) and law at age 24. Jonathan moved to Calgary after graduation and was called to the Alberta bar in 2001 and quickly became a key member of one of Canada’s top ten national law firms.

Jonathan was elected MLA for Calgary-Acadia (formerly Calgary-Egmont) in 2008 and re-elected in 2012. In addition to his duties as a legislator, Jonathan served in several senior cabinet roles, including Parliamentary Assistant for Energy, Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs, Solicitor General & Minister of Public Security, Provincial Secretary, Minister of Justice & Attorney General, and Government House Leader.

Some of Jonathan’s accomplishments while in the provincial government include:

• Introducing a new set of Rules of Court;

• Funding new police positions to Alberta cities;

• Reducing department spending by 39% while still achieving ministry goals;

• Passing civil forfeiture legislation for seizure of proceeds of crime;

• Improving access to justice by raising the limit at Provincial Court (Civil Division) to $50,000.00;

• Amending election statutes to require better public disclosure of contributions; and

• Passing legislation to crack down on impaired drivers.

Since returning to the private sector in 2015, Jonathan founded Guardian Law Group LLP with Donna Gee.

A recognized authority in politics and governance, Jonathan is frequently invited as a guest speaker to organizations and charities. Jonathan has received numerous accolades in his career, including being named to the Queen’s Counsel of Alberta and one of Avenue Magazine’s “Top 40 under 40” (when he was under 40).

Jonathan has a rare expertise in campaigns and elections law. He has acted as lead counsel on several judicial recounts and his clients have included sitting Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, and city councillors.