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 […]
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 […]
Rising Above the Mean
How opinion researchers can stay human in an AI-enabled world There is no doubt that the widespread adoption of AI is manifesting broader changes in the way many of us work. Though, as an opinion researcher, it is tempting to talk about what everyone else thinks about AI, it’s also important to reflect on how […]
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 […]
From Problem to Policy: A Guide to Effective Budget Advocacy
Turning Your Policy Idea into a Viable Budget Proposal—A Practical Guide What goes into a good budget submission? The House of Commons is now moving at full speed after the holiday break and the Standing Committee on Finance (FINA) has issued its yearly call for pre-budget briefs from stakeholders. The submission deadline is April 30th, […]
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 […]