From Problem to Policy: A Guide to Effective Budget Advocacy
Turning Your Policy Idea into a Viable Budget Proposal—A Practical Guide to Effective Budget Advocacy What goes into a good budget submission? Before the House of Commons rose for summer recess, the Standing Committee on Finance (FINA) issued their yearly call for pre-budget briefs from stakeholders. The submission deadline is August 1, 2025. If you […]
Counsel Expands Ontario Team
Counsel is proud to announce the expansion of its Ontario team with the addition of Raymond Chan as Senior Account Director and Jessica McDougall as Senior Consultant to serve our growing business. Raymond Chan Raymond brings over 15 years of experience working in government, advocacy, and regulatory affairs to his new role at Counsel. He has […]
Sprint Session Ends: Parliament Rises for the Summer
In a quick four-week parliamentary sitting, Prime Minister Mark Carney has used the spirit of cooperation – and the political capital afforded by his post-election honeymoon – to move quickly on key legislation and platform promises. While Carney seems to be applying the mantra of “move fast and break things” to describe his leadership style […]
Counsel Promotes Ontario Leadership Team
Devan Sommerville promoted to Senior Vice President, Rob Elliott and Johanna Chevalier to Vice President Counsel is proud to announce the promotion of three leaders in our Ontario practice: Devan Sommerville to Senior Vice President and Johanna Chevalier and Rob Elliott to Vice President. Devan Sommerville Devan is a powerful advocate for clients in Ontario […]
Ontario Legislature Breaks for the Summer: Top Three Takeaways from the Spring Sitting
The Ontario legislature rose for summer last night, ending the first legislative session of Premier Doug Ford’s third term. The break follows six weeks of heated debate on the measures chosen by the government to be their top priorities. Here are Counsel’s top three takeaways from this legislative session: 1.The Government has Decided to Take […]
Manitoba’s Productive but Heated Legislative Session Wraps for Summer
After an all-night sitting, the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba ended the 2nd Session of the 43rd Legislature this morning after weeks of debate on legislative proposals and question periods focused on health care wait times, property taxes, public safety, and affordability. The session concluded with Manitoba in a declared state of emergency, as uncontrollable […]
BC Legislature is out for the Summer
After a marathon session that began with the Speech from the Throne in February, the British Columbia Legislative Assembly rose for the summer last night ending a memorable, acrimonious session. The session brought some historic firsts: the first time an MLA voted shortly after giving birth from her hospital bed, new unprecedented powers for cabinet […]
Counsel Promotes Jodee Mason to Associate Vice President, Manitoba
Counsel is proud to announce the promotion of Jodee Mason to Associate Vice President, Manitoba. With over two decades of experience in media, strategic communications, and issues management, Jodee has a strong network and an unmatched line-of-sight into the dynamics of the NDP government in Manitoba. “Since joining us in 2024, Jodee has continuously demonstrated […]
Federal Shadow Cabinet Assignments Issued
Why Engaging with Conservatives Matters to Your Organization Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre announced his shadow cabinet and senior leadership team, as well as a new Economic Growth Council. Titles have shifted, but the faces are largely the same except for a few newly elected MPs including Ellis Ross and Billy Morin, and Gaétan Malette in […]
Smith Shuffles Cabinet: Key Players Remain, but New Assignments Highlight Refreshed Priorities
Today, Premier Danielle Smith announced her first major cabinet shuffle at the midpoint of the UCP’s mandate, signaling a strategic reset for the second half of her term. First up, the Ministers who remain in their existing portfolios: Ministers Remaining Hon. Mike Ellis – Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Hon. […]