Nicko Vavassis is a Principal who builds relationships, finds consensus and delivers results in high stakes political environments.

Prior to joining Earnscliffe, Nicko worked as a senior advisor to two Cabinet Ministers in the Government of Ontario. Most recently, he served as Director of Policy to Ontario’s Attorney General, where he navigated politically sensitive legal affairs files and led a policy agenda undertaking a significant modernization of Ontario’s justice system. Nicko has also delivered on complex policy files in highly regulated markets, including leading the launch of Canada’s first open online gambling market, amending alcohol sales regulations, and the rollout of Ontario’s new cannabis framework.

In addition to his experience as a senior political advisor in stakeholder management, communications, and policy making, Nicko has worked in Ontario’s civil service. He uses this deep expertise to ensure clients’ voices are heard by the right people in the complex government decision making process. Nicko holds Bachelor of Arts and Master of Public Administration from Queen’s University. Originally a product of Gananoque, Ontario, Nicko now delivers for clients out of Earnscliffe’s Toronto office.