About
Henley Strategies is a boutique services firm based in Ontario, Canada. We recognize the uniqueness of each client and foster collaborative relationships centered on understanding what success looks like, and crafting an achievable, winning plan to get there.
Laryssa Waler
Principal, Public Affairs and Communications Expert
"I established Henley Strategies to provide our clients with tailored, bespoke solutions for their unique challenges and opportunities."
David, founder of Cedarwood Consulting, is a lawyer, strategic advisor, and law professor with extensive experience working with and for Indigenous communities in Canada.
A skilled relationship manager, David has worked with Indigenous communities in various capacities, including project finance, business structuring, and support for Indigenous innovation and entrepreneurship. He has advised corporate clients in various sectors on Indigenous relations, reconciliation action plans and Indigenous engagement strategies.
David began his career in New York City, working first as a Corporate Associate at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, and then working at the Canadian Mission to the United Nations. Most recently, David served as Counsel at a Toronto law firm, where he led the Indigenous business practice group.
In 2024, David was awarded the Truth & Reconciliation Teaching Award from the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, which recognizes professors who have made an outstanding contribution to the implementation of Call to Action #28 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Final Report.
David brings both a professional and personal passion to his work - his family is from Alderville First Nation in Ontario.
David holds an undergraduate degree, a Juris Doctor, and a Master of Laws degree, all from the University of Toronto.
Special Advisor, Cedarwood Consulting, Indigenous Relations Expert
Taras, founder of Future Business Advisors, built his career in the beverage-alcohol industry and now helps his clients benefit from his over two decades of strategic insights.
Taras has an unparalleled understanding of the policies surrounding beverage alcohol sales, the manufacturing processes, the transportation journeys, consumer preferences, the needs of the beverage alcohol customer and the logistics involved in the retail experience in every jurisdiction in Canada.
While working as the Chief Operating Officer of Steam Whistle Brewery and simultaneously as President of Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company, Taras was responsible for four operating facilities and a team of 60. As Regional VP of Sales for Molson Coors, Taras was responsible for $800 million in sales for Ontario and Atlantic provinces, while overseeing a team of 100+. Prior to his position in sales for Molson Coors, Taras worked in supply chain and procurement for North America.A proud father and husband, Taras is a dedicated community volunteer, active in the Ukrainian- Canadian community through Plast Scouting and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. He serves as as the First Vice-Chair of the Ukrainian Credit Union Board of Directors and on the Board of the Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce.
Special Advisor, Future Business Advisors, Beverage Alcohol and Retail Expert
Special Advisors
Laryssa, founder of Henley Strategies, brings nearly two decades of expertise in strategic communications, public affairs, and media relations. Her bespoke approach involves crafting distinct strategies for each challenge, acknowledging the uniqueness of every individual and organization.
Laryssa has served at the highest levels of government in Canada and Ontario, including as Executive Director of Communications for Premier Doug Ford. In her private practice, she has provided strategic counsel to a diverse array of clients, from Fortune 500 companies to startups and non-profits. Her insights have shaped the communication and government relations strategies of these organizations, significantly enhancing their public engagement and policy influence. Laryssa is also a frequent panelist on political affairs TV and radio programs across Canada, where she regularly shares her insights on current events and political developments.
In 2022, Laryssa led media operations for the Canadian, Indigenous, and international press during the visit by Pope Francis to Canada, focusing on Indigenous reconciliation. She managed media coverage for over 800 accredited journalists from around the world and served as a lead spokesperson.
A passionate advocate for Ukraine, Laryssa has leveraged her expertise to support the international response to the most recent Russian invasion. She holds a degree from the University of Toronto and a graduate certificate in Public Relations from Humber College. Laryssa is fluent in English, Ukrainian, and French.