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 […]
The Ring of Fire: Partnerships, Progress, and the Road Ahead
The strategic importance of the Ring of Fire is no longer in question. Today, with geopolitical tensions reshaping supply chains and intensifying the race for secure critical minerals, the region’s value has never been greater. The real question is how to move projects forward in a landscape defined by distance, complexity, and diverse perspectives. I […]
From Deficit to Direct Democracy: Smith’s Referendum as a Policy Lever
Premier Danielle Smith delivered a live address to Albertans laying out her government’s intent to hold a referendum on immigration policy and federal authority (scheduled Oct. 19, 2026) a move she characterized as necessary to grapple with “out-of-control immigration” and the resulting strain on the healthcare, education and social service systems that is straining the […]
Felix Burns Promoted to Senior Account Director
Felix Burns has been promoted to Senior Account Director at Counsel Public Affairs, based in Toronto. Specializing in legislative affairs and issues management, Felix’s experience across senior roles in Ontario’s government helps clients navigate Queen’s Park and achieve their goals. At Counsel, Felix brings clear navigation of relationships at Queen’s Park, a keen ability to […]
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 […]