Bonny Skene and Sheena Weir join Counsel, building on their distinguished careers in government relations and public affairs.
February 22, 2024 – Counsel Public Affairs, one of Canada’s leading public affairs firms, is pleased to announce that Bonny Skene and Sheena Weir are joining the firm as Senior Advisors.
Bonny Skene comes to Counsel after serving as the Canadian Public Affairs Manager at Domtar, a leading producer of pulp, paper, and personal care products. She was responsible for managing the company’s relationships with governments, media, communities, First Nations, and Indigenous communities across Canada. Based in northern Ontario, she has a deep understanding of the issues and opportunities facing Canada’s resource sector.
Sheena Weir joins Counsel after having served as the Executive Director, External Relations, Communications at the Law Society of Ontario, where she led the government relations and communications functions for the regulator of Ontario’s legal profession. She has extensive experience working with provincial and federal governments, as well as stakeholders in the legal, justice, and non-profit sectors.
Both served in their former roles with distinction. As executives with GR oversight for their respective organizations, they managed long-term relationships with Counsel and experienced first-hand the quality of service the firm provides to clients.
“We are thrilled to welcome Bonny and Sheena to our team,” said Sheamus Murphy, a Partner at Counsel. “They are both highly respected professionals who have built strong reputations and networks in their fields. They will bring tremendous value to our clients and our firm as we enter our 20th year of operations.”
“Bonny and Sheena are great additions to our firm,” said Brad Lavigne, a Partner at Counsel. “We have been trusted partners with them for many years, and we are excited to have them on board. They will enhance our capabilities and expertise in key sectors and regions and help us deliver the best results for our clients.”
“I am eager to start my new role at Counsel and leverage my experience and insights for the benefit of the firm and its clients,” said Bonny Skene, “Counsel is a firm that I have enjoyed working with and learning from for many years. They have a deep understanding of the issues and challenges facing Canada’s resource sector and other industries. I am honoured to join them and share my knowledge and perspectives.”
Sheena Weir said she is looking forward to joining Counsel and working with its diverse and talented team. “Counsel is a firm that I have worked with and admired for a long time. They have a proven track record of providing strategic advice and effective advocacy to their clients. I am delighted to join them and contribute to their success.”
Now in its 20th year, Counsel is a national firm with a team of 40+ consultants, helping clients succeed in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Winnipeg, Northern Ontario, Toronto, and Ottawa.
Counsel provides a full suite of services in national, provincial, and municipal government relations and public affairs, including lobbying, crisis management, strategic and corporate communications, community relations, media training, “PR4GR” campaigns, public opinion research, Indigenous engagement facilitation and training, and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion consulting.