Why Ontario’s By-Election Results Still Matter
Three provincial by-elections took place in Ontario on September 3rd and for most Ontarians, the night was uneventful. Even the results, a return to status quo, at first seems less than thrilling and over two weeks and a Cabinet shuffle later, Ontario’s by-elections are already old political news. Yet, that’s exactly why they’re worth another […]
A BC Election? What to Know About Government Engagement During a Writ Period
Following Kerry-Lynne Findlay’s resignation as leader of the BC Conservatives this weekend, speculation has intensified that David Eby will visit the Lieutenant Governor this week to request an election, with voting day widely rumoured to fall on October 24. Nothing has been confirmed, and the Premier has not indicated his intentions publicly, but the possibility […]
Who Gets Heard When Everyone Is Hurting?
Four lessons about government advocacy I learned in the aftermath of 9/11. This time 25 years ago, we were beginning to come to grips with a world changed by 9/11 For Ontario’s tourism industry, the aftershocks were immediate — and severe. I was Ontario’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation at the time, a portfolio […]
The Myth of the Informed Public
After many years conducting public opinion research, there is one finding I encounter consistently, regardless of the issue, audience, or sector I am researching: People are not paying as much attention to your issue as you think they are. Organizations often work under the assumption that the public has a basic understanding of the issues, […]
Counsel Welcomes Former BC Cabinet Minister Bruce Ralston, KC as Senior Advisor
Counsel is pleased to welcome Bruce Ralston, KC as Senior Advisor, specializing in resource development. mining, forestry, trade, technology and energy policy solutions. A long-serving elected official and former British Columbia cabinet minister, Bruce brings deep public-sector experience, strong relationships across government and industry, and a practical understanding of how major policy move from ideas […]
Counsel Welcomes Stacey Silverberg as Vice President and Life Sciences Practice Lead
Counsel Public Affairs is pleased to welcome Stacey Silverberg as Vice President and Life Sciences Lead, based in Toronto. Stacey brings more than 30 years of pharmaceutical industry experience spanning commercial strategy, government relations, public policy, patient engagement and advocacy, market access, reimbursement, and stakeholder relations. Her extensive experience across the sector gives her a […]
Ford’s Fall Reset: Stability at Home as Uncertainty Builds Abroad
Ford’s Fall Reset: Stability at Home as Uncertainty Builds Abroad Today, Premier Doug Ford unveiled his refreshed Cabinet, opting for significant continuity in major portfolios at Queen’s Park as his government heads into the next chapter of its third term. The shuffle comes after an unusually eventful summer. The departures of experienced Ministers like Caroline […]
The Invisible Government: How Council–Staff Relations Shape Municipal Governance
The Invisible Government Last week, I was at the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Conference, an event I’ve attended for years as both an elected official and more recently as a representative of Counsel Public Affairs. For me, it has always been one of the best places to reconnect with municipal politicians from […]
Building the Bench: Leadership Beyond the Table
Reflecting on my time speaking at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference on the Women’s Leadership Panel, one realization stood out clearly: we spend a tremendous amount of time talking about getting to the table, securing that first seat, breaking through glass ceilings, and ensuring our voices are present in key governance and […]
Counsel Welcomes Sara Loft as Senior Advisor and Nibwaakaawin Indigenous Engagement Practice Lead
Counsel Public Affairs is pleased to welcome Sara Loft as Senior Advisor and the new leader of Counsel’s Nibwaakaawin Indigenous Engagement practice. Sara is Bear Clan from the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, Ontario, and an elected Council Member. With a background in both law and public administration, she brings deep experience across government, Indigenous […]