Part 1: The Politics of Ontario’s Pre-Election Legislative Session
Rumours continue to abound that Ontario is headed to the polls earlier than the currently legislated fixed election date in spring of 2026. We believe that our clients need to prepare as if the election could come as soon as Q1 2025, as the Premier has only ruled out a 2024 election. The end of […]
BC Election Night Battleground Ridings to Watch
The 2024 BC election campaign has been many things, but one thing it has not been – is boring. We expect even more excitement tomorrow night as the difference between victory and defeat for the BC NDP and the BC Conservatives will likely come down to a few votes in a handful of battleground districts. […]
BC Election Results on a Razor’s Edge as Final Vote Count Looms
Although we will have to wait until Oct. 26-28 to find out who won the BC election, there is much to learn from the final ballot count that wrapped up on the weekend. Despite both the BC Conservatives and the BC NDP claiming victory and pundits providing their own take on the election, the winner […]
No Clear Winner in Saskatchewan’s Leaders’ Debate
Party leaders’ televised debates in Canadian elections are often as overhyped as a heavyweight title fight. Pre-debate, the media is filled with talk of leaders “squaring off” and the potential “a knock-out punch” that will change political history. But history has shown that’s rarely the case. Most often, debates simply reinforce existing political opinion and […]
Counsel Public Affairs Announces New Leadership Responsibilities
The Partners of Counsel Public Affairs Inc. are pleased to announce that Brad Lavigne has been named President of the firm and Sheamus Murphy has assumed the role of Managing Partner. These new responsibilities will allow Partners Phil Dewan, Caroline Pinto, and Bob Lopinski to focus their energies on providing Counsel’s clients with senior strategic advice. Their ongoing leadership ensures that our clients […]
BC Conservatives rise is impressive, but the path to victory is challenging
Regardless of the outcome of the BC election on October 19, the political story of the year has undoubtedly been the historic rise of the BC Conservatives. Barely an afterthought in the 2020 election, the party is now neck and neck with the governing BC NDP over who will lead the province for the next […]
BC Leaders Debate Shifts the Tone for Week Three
Clashing perspectives created a dynamic, respectful debate with BC’s party leaders. A brisk fall night in Vancouver saw all three leaders of the major political parties provide differing and, at times, divisive views of the future of British Columbia. BC Conservative Leader John Rustad, BC NDP Leader David Eby, and BC Greens Leader Sonia […]
Absence of Green Party Candidates Could Benefit BC NDP in Key Local Races
BC Leader’s Debate Sets the Stage for Election Platforms On Wednesday, the three party leaders met on CKNW radio for their first debate in front of BC voters. BC NDP’s David Eby and BC Conservative’s John Rustad presented their key messaging and attacked each other on a variety of points from public safety, gun control, […]
The 30th Saskatchewan Election is Officially Underway
As previewed here last week, the Saskatchewan election campaign is now officially underway. Premier Scott Moe called on Lieutenant Governor Russell Mirasty this morning and asked him to issue Writs of Election for Monday, October 28th. During the Saskatchewan Party’s campaign kick-off media scrum, Premier Moe stated, “The Saskatchewan Party has a plan for growing our economy, creating […]
What to Watch for in the Most Competitive Saskatchewan Election in a Generation
Counsel to offer ongoing insights and analysis Next month’s provincial election in Saskatchewan is shaping up to be the most competitive campaign in a generation. The Saskatchewan Party has governed the province since 2007 and cruised to huge re-election majorities in 2011, 2016, and 2020. In fact, their 30-point margins of victory over the NDP […]