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Established in 2004, Counsel’s integrated approach to government relations and public relations has positioned us as one of Canada’s most respected and successful GR firms. Our highly collaborative team of talented strategists offers an unsurpassed skill set that spans a broad range of sectors. Our unique approach makes a positive impact for clients with a proven track record and the well-earned respect of those for whom we work, and government officials.

Unconventional. Driven. Successful.

Do you have a passion for government relations, public policy, and communications? Are you looking for an exciting, meaningful, and fast-paced environment where no two days are the same? Where you’re part of a team working collaboratively to find solutions to some of Canada’s most unique and challenging issues?

If you’re interested in joining the Counsel team, please send your resume to careers@counselpa.com, and let us know why you’re great at what you do. 

Available Positions

Government Relations & Communications Intern (Toronto)

Summer Internship (May 15th, 2024 to August 23rd, 2024)

Want to work on the biggest public policy changes facing Canada?

Based in our Toronto office, Counsel’s new Government Relations & Communications Intern will be an important member of our growing team.

This position is a fully paid internship offering in-office work experience. 

At Counsel, we offer each client a tailored approach to their unique government relations and communications needs. Our new GR Intern will have the opportunity to work closely with our teams across the country to help solve problems and deliver results for our clients at the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government. This internship position will also provide the candidate with the chance to assist the firm’s dynamic communications team, providing assistance with a wide range of public relations and communications services, while specializing in integrated campaigns to support our clients’ government and public relations needs.  As a member of the Counsel team, your work will range from research and news monitoring to client engagement to strategic plan development.

The successful applicant must have a demonstrated passion for public affairs and communications. Applicants may have experience in government relations, policy, strategic communications and public relations, and we will consider lived experience in community organizing and other applicable experiences. Familiarity with current federal, provincial and municipal issues in a wide range of policy areas is essential, with knowledge of the provincial legislative processes an asset.

Excellent communications skills are a must, and candidates must have a proven ability to work independently, work well within a team, report regularly and meet key deliverables.

Compensation will include a competitive internship wage, paid vacation as well as other perks to ensure you have a rewarding internship experience.

Bottom line…we’re looking for someone who is energetic, bright and curious.

Duties Include:

  • Assistance with the research, development and execution of government relations strategies;
  • Monitoring the political and policy environment and reporting updates to clients and the leadership team on key developments (e.g., government announcements, speeches, staff changes, budgets, cabinet shuffles etc.);
  • Researching and preparing proposals, pitches, briefs, letters and PowerPoint presentations for client files and business development;
  • Setting, preparing for, and attending client meetings/conference calls;
  • Project management with the ability to meet deadlines while juggling competing priorities;
  • Assistance with stakeholder outreach and management;
  • Maintaining political and issue intelligence through media monitoring;
  • Monitoring the progress of legislation and other key policy pieces within specific jurisdictions;
  • Assisting with social media campaign strategies and content;
  • Drafting blog posts and social media copy;
  • Scanning and tracking issues across multiple media platforms;
  • Helping to maintain and update various CRM and contact lists;
  • Event logistics support;
  • Assistance with updating brand assets;
  • Basic administrative tasks including scheduling of meetings, minute taking, tracking of hours and expenses;
  • On-time delivery of assignments and projects despite client delay, changes in direction, and revised budgets; and
  • Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications (must haves):

  • A final year student in a post-secondary institution
    • While there is a strong preference for the social sciences, we will consider applications from students in other disciplines
    • Proof of enrolment required
  • Strong writing and research skills
    • Writing sample required
  • Able to communicate well within a team and, when requested, with clients
  • Candidate can hold themselves to the highest of ethical standards when working within our team, and in client facing spaces
  • Able to multi-task and maintain progress on assignments
  • Available during regular working hours (total of 40 hours a week)
  • Ability to respectfully engage with a multi-partisan team

Additional Qualifications (nice to haves):

  • Familiarity with municipal, provincial, or federal legislative processes
  • Experience in advocacy or political activism
  • Experience working or volunteering on political campaigns
  • Graphic/digital design
  • Grassroots organizing
  • Statistical analysis
  • Ability to speak and write in a language other than English

How to Apply:

If you are interested in applying, please submit a cover letter and resume to: careers@counselpa.com. Deadline for applications is March 15th, 2024.

We thank you for your interest in Counsel Public Affairs. Only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.



About Counsel Public Affairs

Established in 2004, Counsel is a national firm with a team of over 40 consultants in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto, and Ottawa. Counsel provides a full suite of services in national and provincial government relations and public affairs, including lobbying, crisis communications, strategic communications, media training, “PR4GR” campaigns, public opinion research, Indigenous facilitation, and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion consulting.

Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

As one of Canada’s leading public affairs agencies, we know that government and public relations is a field that often lacks diverse voices, and we are committed to changing that through internal education and changing our practices. We strongly encourage applications from historically, persistently, and/or systematically marginalized groups.