Minority Report: Fall Sitting Displays New Parliament’s Struggles
After a burst of activity in the spring following Mark Carney’s April election win, Canada’s new Parliament returned in September to face more familiar gridlock. Parliament’s resumption saw Pierre Poilievre re-enter the House after winning a byelection in Alberta, setting the stage for a more engaged official opposition. The government was only able to pass two bills during the fall sitting and has only […]
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, […]
Former National Security Advisor Jody Thomas Joins Counsel Public Affairs
Counsel is excited to welcome Jody Thomas as a Senior Advisor. Jody brings more than 35 years of leadership experience in national security, defence, and intelligence, having served in some of Canada’s most senior roles. Most recently, she was National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister until 2024. Her distinguished career also includes serving as […]
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 […]
Protecting Ontario: Key Takeaways from Ontario’s 2025 Fall Economic Statement
The Ford Government tabled their Fall Economic Statement (FES) today, providing an update on their Plan to Protect Ontario with support for businesses and workers while boosting the economy to help weather the economic uncertainty caused by the U.S. tariffs. Not simply an economic and fiscal update, the FES is the next chapter in the […]