Raymond Novak (born March 30, 1977)[1] is a Canadian political strategist, who was appointed as Stephen Harper's fourth Chief of Staff on May 19, 2013, following the dismissal of Nigel Wright.[2] He was the 14th person to serve as Chief of Staff since the creation of the position. He served in the role until November 4, 2015 following the defeat of the Harper Government.

Ray Novak
14th Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister
In office
May 19, 2013 – November 4, 2015
Prime MinisterStephen Harper
DeputyJenni Byrne
Joanne McNamara
Preceded byNigel Wright
Succeeded byKatie Telford
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister
In office
2008–2013
Prime MinisterStephen Harper
Preceded byFrancis Fox
Succeeded byGerald Butts
Personal details
Born (1977-03-30) March 30, 1977 (age 47)
Political partyConservative
Other political
affiliations
Canadian Alliance, Reform Party
Alma materUniversity of Western Ontario
University of Calgary

Educated in political science at the University of Western Ontario and the University of Calgary,[1] Novak first entered politics as an intern in the offices of Preston Manning and Rob Anders.[1] He was later a researcher for the National Citizens Coalition while Stephen Harper was leading the organization.[1] When Harper moved into Stornoway,[3] Novak lived rent-free in an apartment above the official residence's garage.[1]

Ray Novak was employed in the Prime Minister's Office since Harper's entry in 2006, undertaking several roles.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Meet Ray Novak, the PM's new chief of staff". CBC News, May 19, 2013.
  2. ^ "New chief of staff Ray Novak has long ties to Harper". The Globe and Mail, May 19, 2013.
  3. ^ a b Sibley, Robert (18 August 2015). "Spotlight on Ray Novak, PMO chief who lived above Harper's garage". Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved 19 August 2015.