January 21, 2025 – Counsel Public Affairs is thrilled to announce a powerhouse new addition to our multi-partisan, cross-country team. Former Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak is joining Counsel as a Partner, and will lead the firm’s Ontario government relations practice.
Tim Hudak led a distinguished 21-year career as a Member of Provincial Parliament, Cabinet Minister, and Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario. After his time in office, Tim continued to advise the Ontario government, including as a member of the provincial Housing Affordability Task Force and as chair of the Ontario Tourism Economic Recovery Task Force post-COVID.
“Counsel Public Affairs is delighted to welcome Tim Hudak into our leadership team. As a firm that started over 20 years ago with a focus on Ontario government relations, Tim will build on our history of delivering excellent results for our clients in Ontario and across Canada,” said Sheamus Murphy, Managing Partner.
For over seven years, Tim served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA), Canada’s largest provincial professional association. Under Tim’s leadership, OREA transformed into one of Ontario’s most impactful advocacy groups. Tim was named one of the most powerful people in North American residential real estate by Swanepoel Power 200 for five consecutive years.
“Tim Hudak’s experience as an association leader and his knowledge of the housing sector will benefit Counsel’s clients nation-wide,” said Brad Lavigne, President & Partner. “Tim will complement the culture of excellence that we have built at Counsel.”
Most recently, Tim launched Tim Hudak Consulting, which is offering peer councils and event speaker services.
In his new role at Counsel, Tim will leverage the success of his Tim Hudak Consulting practice, and the strength of Counsel, to deliver industry-leading advocacy and executive support through his innovative Peer Councils for CEOs and Advocacy Executives across the country. In addition to this unique offering for businesses and organizations, Tim will lead the firm’s Ontario government relations practice. He will also lend his expertise to the firm’s Federal, Western Canada and Communications & Campaigns practices.
“In my prior work at OREA, I saw Counsel in action as we worked together to craft winning campaigns that changed public policy,” said Tim Hudak, Partner at Counsel Public Affairs. “I am beyond excited to join Counsel’s team to offer high-impact advocacy to the firm’s clients in Ontario and across Canada.”
About Counsel Public Affairs: Counsel is Canada’s most effective, fully integrated public affairs firm, specializing in government relations, strategic and corporate communications, integrated campaigns, public opinion research and Indigenous facilitation. Established in 2004, Counsel has grown to become a national firm, with consultants serving Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto, and Ottawa.