René A. de Vries, P.Geo., is a 23-year resident of Stouffville, Ontario. Born, raised, and educated in the Netherlands, René has spent his entire professional consulting career, spanning over 35 years, working in Ontario, Canada. He is currently the Senior Vice-President of a large, multi-disciplinary, international engineering firm and has extensive experience in business, and the environmental and infrastructure sectors of the economy. 

He obtained a B.Sc. degree in environmental science and engineering from the Van Hall Institute in Groningen, the Netherlands, in 1987. He emigrated to Canada in 1988 and has worked in the private sector ever since, sometimes running his own companies and at other times working for larger firms in various roles. He participates in industry associations and has built a broad professional network. 

In addition to his work, René entered an active political role with the PPC in 2021, when he first ran in his riding and finished in fourth place. He has also been active as a volunteer in the community, helping to organize the Stouffville Peace Festival through the local church. He has supported Green Cross International’s work as a volunteer in Canada. Through his interest in politics and volunteer work, he has met many notable politicians, including off-course Maxime Bernier who he by now considers a friend. 

René enjoys digital engagement with clients and stakeholders and is quite a history buff, particularly in relation to geopolitics. He is acutely aware of globalism as a corrosive force for Canada, having worked with/in and learned about organizations that advance the aims of a global technocracy.  

His late grandfather, whose middle name Aafko he carries, died at the age of 37 while fighting the fascism of his time and serves as his inspiration.  His second inspiration is his commitment to creating a positive future and legacy for his children, grandchildren, and society at large. René has two daughters (aged 21 and 25) from his first marriage and is very happy to see them succeed in their chosen fields of study and work.