Michael Van Pelt, President and CEO of Cardus, a public policy think tank, has more than 30 years of experience in public life, including advocacy with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, the Chamber of Commerce and serving as a municipal Councillor.
Since 2000, Michael has helped build Cardus into a full-fledged think tank, delivering research that is public, credible and Christian. He continues to consult widely and undertake advisory work, helping institutions strategically connect their beliefs with their behaviours.
A graduate of McMaster University and the London School of Economics, Michael has authored and co-authored numerous articles ranging from religion and public life to economics and government policy. He has served as a member of the board of directors of different federal government agencies.
Michael is a vibrant ideas generator and sought after collaborator and is deeply involved in the research aspects of Cardus. He publishes numerous articles and reports, including: Business Gone Quiet: Why Does Canada’s Education Monopoly Continue Unquestioned? and his latest paper, Better is Possible: A Proposal to Improve Schooling for All.
Michael is a key player in the development of the largest North American study on independent religious schooling in partnership with the University of Notre Dame. Michael is a member of the Board of Directors of the William Voortman Fund, a granting organization to many national and international causes.
He lives in Ancaster, Ontario with his wife Deani and their children.