Manitoba Budget 2026: Deficit Declines, No more PST on Groceries
Budget day in Manitoba opened on a somber note. Before tabling the NDP government’s third budget, Finance Minister Adrien Sala paid tribute to Amanda Lathlin, MLA for The Pas-Kameesak since 2015, who recently passed away. A true trailblazer, she was the first, First Nations woman elected to the Manitoba Legislature, following in her father’s footsteps. […]
Queen’s Park returns: What you can expect this spring
When the Legislature reconvenes on March 23, expect the political climate to change as fast as a March temperature swing. Decisions will warm up quickly, new priorities will blow in, and those who aren’t prepared may be left out in the cold. Top 5 things to know: 1. The budget will set the tone The […]
Saskatchewan Budget 2026-27: Balancing Affordability, Growth and the Fiscal Reality
The Sask Party tabled its 19th budget, built on the assumption that the provincial government needs to protect its province and its people during a period of global political and economic stability. Faced with softer commodity prices, global volatility and pressures on health care, education and affordability, the budget puts a premium on maintaining […]
Ontario Budget 2026 Preview: Doubling Down on Domestic Strength
As Ontario prepares to release its 2026 Budget, it does so amid renewed trade tensions and persistent affordability pressures. These headwinds are tightening the province’s fiscal room and forcing difficult choices in Queen’s Park about where to spend and where to hold the line. Having recently worked in the Office of the President of […]
Trust, Insularity, and the Canadian Moment
It isn’t an understatement to say that Canada is in a moment of tremendous economic and cultural change, with Canadian people embracing nationalism to a degree not seen in a generation. We can see the appeal of Canadiana being leveraged by savvy communicators in advertising, on store shelves, and political speeches, and it doesn’t seem to be fading. The latest Edelman Trust Barometer, which measures […]
Alberta Budget 2026: Stability under Strain
Alberta Budget 2026: Stability under Strain Growth and the Politics of Fiscal Balance Finance Minister Nate Horner tabled Alberta’s 2026 Budget today against a backdrop of moderating oil prices, global trade uncertainty, and sustained population growth pressures. The government projects a $9.4 billion deficit in 2026–27, with revenues of $74.6 billion and expenses of $83.9 […]
Summer Hou Joins Counsel as Account Director
Counsel Public Affairs is excited to welcome Summer Hou as an Account Director with our Ontario Practice, based in Toronto. Summer Hou is a detail-oriented and skilled political strategist with strong expertise in fiscal policy frameworks and government decision-making. She joins Counsel after serving as a trusted senior advisor to the President of the Treasury […]
Patricia Ferreira Promoted and Olaide Adeoye Joins Counsel
Counsel’s strong Operations & Compliance Team Counsel continues to strengthen its Operations & Compliance team, reinforcing our commitment to seamless national integration, high levels of compliance, and operational efficiency. With the promotion of Patricia Ferreira to Financial & Operations Manager and the addition of Olaide Adeoye as Compliance & Contracts Officer, Counsel is expanding the […]
BC Budget 2026: A Stabilization Plan Built on Assumptions
Like all her colleagues across Canada, BC Finance Minister Brenda Bailey faced economic turmoil driven by Donald Trump and increased fiscal pressure as she prepared the provincial budget for 2026-27. For weeks, Bailey and Premier David Eby signaled that this would be a bad news budget as the government deals with a long-term fiscal path […]
Megan Grenville Promoted to Consultant, Marketing & Promotions
Megan Grenville is a Marketing & Promotions Consultant at Counsel Public Affairs, based in Toronto. Megan Grenville is a marketing and communications professional specializing in brand strategy, digital content development, event marketing, and analytics. She supports the development and execution of marketing initiatives across the firm, including website and social media content, brand asset management, […]