Matthew Hou
Matthew Hou (Downing, 2021) is the Senior Advisor for Inclusive Science at Health Canada. His journey started with frontline service pioneering inclusive initiatives in the Canadian Armed Forces.
​
The photo shows Matthew with the Premier of Alberta Rachel Notley at the 2015 Edmonton Pride Parade.
After returning from Afghanistan in 2013, Matthew reshaped military culture by co-founding the Department of National Defence’s Positive Space Program, Pride Network, and was appointed the first 2SLGBTQIA+ Advisor to the Armed Forces’ Ombuds. He opened doors to increase the representation of Canadian Armed Forces members in uniform at pride parades, and increase inclusion of the queer community generally across the Armed Forces.
While pursuing a MBA, he co-founded Cambridge University’s association for military and veterans and tripled the number of veterans’ scholarships at the Judge Business School.
After contributing to KPMG's global thought leadership, Matthew returned to public service to publish the world's first Anti-Racism in Science Action Plan, to report to the Clerk of the Privy Council on inclusive science workforce gaps, and to advise and motivate audiences including the Deputy Minister Community of Science and Technology.