Venezuela, U.S. Policy, and the Risk Now Facing Canada’s Oil Sands

Venezuelan heavy crude competes directly with Canadian oil once it reaches market.

Recent U.S. actions affecting Venezuela’s oil sector have reintroduced a risk to Alberta’s oil sector that had largely faded from view. Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, and most of that oil is heavy crude. That matters because it competes directly with the kind of oil produced from Alberta’s oil sands once it […]

Inside Alberta’s Fall Sitting: Metrics that Mattered

The Alberta Legislature wrapped its fall sitting this week, concluding a session defined by significant policy moves, heightened political tension, and the continued rollout of Premier Danielle Smith’s agenda. Energy policy, affordability, healthcare restructuring, and jurisdictional autonomy dominated the floor, while the Opposition pressed the government on cost-of-living pressures, classroom capacity, and Alberta’s relationship with […]

Ford Firmly at the Wheel

How the Ontario Government Used the Fall Session to Drive Ontario-First Economic Security The Fall Session of the Ford Government’s rare 3rd majority mandate closed with the same defining theme that powered the February election, Premier Ford positioning himself as Ontario’s protector, fully in command of the province’s direction. Whether on economic security, resource development, […]

Affordability & Public Safety Dominate Manitoba’s Fall Legislative Session

As the Manitoba Legislature adjourned yesterday, Manitobans were left trying to figure out everything that happened this session. Tensions ran high between the Opposition and the Government, particularly over issues of crime and public safety, with bail reform becoming a focal point. During the session, the government implemented bold and controversial policy changes, issued historic […]

BC’s fall session by the numbers and how it adds up for you

The fall sitting of the BC Legislature wrapped up Wednesday, a session where Premier David Eby focused on a new ambitious economic plan in response to the impact of the Trump tariffs, while the Opposition zeroed in on the on-going challenges in health care, government spending and public safety. Blessed with a weakened Opposition in […]

Why Age Verification Makes Sense According to a Mom Who Studies the Data

Why Age Verification Makes Sense According to a Mom Who Studies the Data When I was twelve, I remember lining up at the movie theatre to see a 14-A film with my friends. We rehearsed our story in case the usher asked for ID, which they often did. The rules were clear, and the people […]

Dylan Moore Joins Counsel as Associate Vice President

Dylan Moore Joins Counsel’s Growing Ontario Team. Counsel is excited to welcome Dylan Moore as a Toronto-based Associate Vice President to its fast-growing Ontario team. Dylan – a day one veteran of the Ontario Government under Premier Doug Ford – brings over eight years of experience driving strategic communications, policy development and regulatory reform across […]

Despite challenges, Premier Kinew sets out hopeful vision in Throne Speech

Despite past economic challenges and future storm clouds ahead, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has set out a positive future path for the province.  One that he says will make Manitoba a “have province.” The Throne Speech read in the Manitoba Legislature outlines the issues facing the province, including trade wars with the United States and […]

Carney’s first budget “invests more and spends less” to re-orient Canada’s economy in the face of Trump tariffs 

Mark Carney's first budget

Mark Carney’s much anticipated first budget is built on $280 billion in new capital investment while balancing operational spending over the next five years.    Against the backdrop of a worsening economy battered by the Trump administration’s tariffs, the Liberal government is leaning into Keynesian economics by carving out a strong role for the state in major projects, housing […]