Bill Rutsey brings a wealth of industry expertise and hands-on experience to his role as chief executive of the Canadian Gaming Association (CGA). He has participated in gaming at the most senior levels from both the public and private sector perspectives for the past fifteen years, including assisting in the creation of gaming policy and casino development in Ontario and Nova Scotia.

As Practice Leader of the Coopers and Lybrand Gaming Consulting Practice, he advised numerous private and public sector clients, including the Ontario government (authoring the Ontario Casino Market and Economic Impact Study – the blueprint for the Ontario casino gaming industry), Windsor Casino, the Chippewa of Rama First Nation (Mnjikaning First Nation) and the Halifax Hilton Hotel (resulting in casino-style gaming approval).

As CEO of private sector companies, he has planned, developed and managed gaming businesses in Ontario, Las Vegas and internationally, and been licensed by gaming regulators in both Nevada and Ontario. He has been a commentator on gaming issues in media and before government.

As chief executive of the CGA, Mr. Rutsey is the national advocate for the gaming entertainment industry and responsible for positioning the association to address regulatory, political and educational issues affecting the industry.

A seasoned public affairs practitioner who brings more than 15 years’ experience in the private and public sectors to his role as Vice President of Public Affairs.

A trusted political advisor, Mr. Burns most recently served as Senior Advisor to Toronto Mayor David Miller. Prior to joining the Mayor’s Office, he served as the Director of Organization for Mr. Miller’s campaign for Mayor and as National Operations Director for Peter MacKay’s successful campaign for Leader of the PC Party of Canada.

As a consultant with one of Canada’s leading public affairs firm, he counseled clients on a range of public policy and procurement issues with the Government of Ontario.

Mr. Burns served as Corporate Compliance Officer for RPC Gaming, a Canadian-based gaming company operating a chain of gaming establishments in Las Vegas, Nevada. He also served as Vice President of Corporate Affairs for RPC Anchor Gaming, which worked with the Government of Ontario to develop charity casinos in the province.

As a policy advisor to the Ontario Minister of Consumer and Commercial Relations, Mr. Burns directed government policy initiatives in the gaming sector.

Prior to his work with the provincial government, Mr. Burns served as a senior political assistant to Federal Treasury Board President, Hon. James Edwards and Ontario PC Party Leader, Mike Harris