About Patti

Patti Balsillie is a Canadian consultant and strategic advisor with a significant focus on strategy, tourism development, organizational governance, and working through conflict.

Based in the Yukon, Patti has worked extensively with governments, indigenous organizations, and nonprofits to strengthen strategic initiatives and support organizational goals, especially in northern Canada.

Her expertise often includes helping organizations work through complex challenges, develop sustainable strategies and foster community-informed problem-solving.

She has earned a strong reputation for her knowledge of northern Canadian realities and her work often supports capacity building in organizations. Her contributions to tourism in Canada and her advocacy for Northern perspectives have established her as an influential figure in her field.

Patti believes time invested in every project must be purposeful, and she brings great enthusiasm and diverse experiences to each one.

Her super power… people.

  • 2024

    Family Mediation - Agreements and Court Orders
    Justice Institute of British Columbia

  • 2023

    Certificate in Mediation and Conflict Resolution
    University of Western Ontario (on-going)

  • 2018

    Certificate in Mastering Design Thinking, Design in Strategy
    MIT Sloan School of Management, Boston, MASS

  • 2018

    Corporate Director Designation (ICD.D)
     Institute of Corporate Directors, Haskayne School of Business, University of Calgary

  • 2018

    Crown Governance
    Institute of Corporate Directors, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver

  • 2016

    Foundations and Techniques in Public Participation, Engagement
    International Association for Public Participation (IAP2)

  • 2006

    Certified Association Executive (CAE) and Class Valedictorian
    Canadian Association of Association Executives (CSAE)

  • 2000

    Canadian Institute of Organizational Management (CIOM)
    University of Western Ontario (4 year program)

  • 1990

    Bachelor of Arts
    Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, NS

  • ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS

    Crisis Communications - Wilderness Tourism Association
    of Yukon

    Being Strategic - Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE)

    Facilitation 101 - Volunteer Bureau

    Board Governance Training - Mount Royal Collegeoes

Community Leadership

Yukon Venture Angels

A Board member since 2023, Patti is also Managing Director of Canada’s newest Venture Angel Network, linking investors to founders, and growing the Yukon’s economy.

Yukon Chamber of Commerce

Patti is an Officer on the Board of the Yukon Chamber of Commerce, engaging in business development and a Yukon-wide strategy for advocacy and the economy. Contributions will include continual improvement in governance, engagement and advocacy.

Mediate Yukon

Patti is the new Chair of Mediation Yukon, and envisions a professional association that supports networking, development and growth of Yukon’s conflict facilitation space.

Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of BC

Patti is a proud member of the western Canadian chapter of the national institute, building best practices, networks, and developments in the profession, and pursuing national accreditation for this designation in 2026.

  • HRH the Duke of Edinburgh with Patti Balsillie at the Vancouver Art Gallery 2013

  • Governor General David Johnston and Patti Balsillie presenting the 2015 Arctic Inspiration Prize to Mary Ellen Thomas of Better Hearing in Education for Northern Youth

  • National Tourism Congress 2014

  • Champions for Mental Wealth - Elizabeth Manley, Canada's Sweetheart, sharing our love of silver

Additional Roles

  • Yukonstruct (2018/19) - Director, Board of Directors

  • Destination Canada (2016-21) - Director and Chair, HR/Governance Committee, Canada

  • Yukon College, Whitehorse, Yukon (2009-16) - Vice Chair, Board of Governors and Chair, Governance Committee

  • Arctic Inspiration Prize (AIP) (2016-18) - Chair of the Board of Trustees, Rideau Hall Foundation, Canada

  • Bell Let’s Talk with Clara’s Big Ride, Whitehorse Yukon (2014) - Community Champion

  • Canada Winter Games, Whitehorse (2005-07) - Vice Chair, Sponsorship

  • Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) (2006-12) - Board Member and 2010 Co-Chair, National Congress