Inside Premier Smith’s Cabinet Shuffle: What Changed and Why It Matters

Premier Smith Shuffles Cabinet: What Alberta’s New Ministry Lineup Signals for Stakeholders Premier Danielle Smith announced a major cabinet shuffle today that includes significant movement of senior ministers to new portfolios and offers an early look at the government’s political and policy priorities just over a year out from the next provincial election. The shuffle […]

When Policy Meets Reality: Navigating Ontario’s Species Conservation Act Transition

Managing Transition Effectively: Species Conservation Act  Anyone who has worked in government knows that even the most meticulously designed policy is still at the mercy of the law of unintended consequences. Operational success happens on the ground, not in an ivory tower. The real test is how policy changes interact with the real economy once implementation begins. When the pens are finally put down, you’re only just beginning. Ontario’s transition from the Endangered Species […]

Carney’s Spring Update Braces Canada for US Trade Fight

Carney’s Spring Update Braces Canada for US Trade Fight Against the backdrop of today’s Spring Economic Update, the Carney government has taken a more combative tone with the Trump administration as the timeline to CUSMA renegotiation approaches. With few reasons for optimism as rhetoric from the American side ramps up, the possibility of a worst-case […]

Majority Rules: Carney Tips Balance of Power in Parliament

We are now in majority territory. With the help of three by-election wins last night, the Liberal government of Mark Carney has clinched a majority government. This result is built on five floor crossers over the last several months, allowing the Carney Liberals to convert their general election minority government to a majority mandate. This […]

Darielle Segovia Promoted to Senior Consultant

Counsel is proud to announce the promotion of Darielle Segovia to Senior Consultant, recognizing her strong performance, continued professional growth, and expanding role within the firm’s BC team. “Darielle’s growth is reflected in her increasing involvement in client-facing work, including events, networking, and government engagement across BC,” said Amanda van Baarsen, Vice President. “Her strong […]

Liberals on verge of majority with latest floor crossing

With polls in the Canadian federal election having closed 345 days ago, the Counsel decision desk can finally call it – we are projecting a Liberal majority government. With the shock floor crossing of former Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu, the Liberals are all but assured a majority government following the by-elections on Monday, April 13.  […]

Kelsey Hrappstead Joins Counsel as Senior Account Director

Counsel Public Affairs welcomes Kelsey Hrappstead as a Senior Account Director with our Ontario Practice.   Kelsey brings extensive experience in government relations, policy development, and strategic communications, supporting clients through complex political and stakeholder environments. Her work is grounded in a strong understanding of legislative processes and government decision-making, helping clients advance priorities with […]

Ontario Budget 2026

Ontario Budget 2026 Budget 2026 is in – and Counsel’s forecast was on the mark. Earlier this month, we shared our thoughts about the factors shaping the government’s fiscal approach. Today’s Budget confirms that outlook, which says less about our forecasting skills and more about the fact that budgets are about strategy, not surprises. Today’s […]

Kayla Mouzos Joins Counsel as Senior Consultant

Counsel Public Affairs welcomes Kayla Mouzos as a Senior Consultant with our Ontario Practice, based in Toronto.   Kayla is a public affairs and communications professional with experience across government relations, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications. Her work focuses on supporting clients through complex political and policy environments, helping translate emerging issues into thoughtful, results-driven […]