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 […]
Megan Grenville Promoted to Consultant, Marketing & Promotions
Megan Grenville is a Marketing & Promotions Consultant at Counsel Public Affairs, based in Toronto. Megan Grenville is a marketing and communications professional specializing in brand strategy, digital content development, event marketing, and analytics. She supports the development and execution of marketing initiatives across the firm, including website and social media content, brand asset management, […]
British Columbia unites in sorrow in response to heartbreaking mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge
A tragic mass shooting that resulted in the deaths of nine people, including the shooter, and injuries to 27 more in the small north-eastern BC community of Tumbler Ridge cast a heartbreaking shadow on the opening of the BC Legislature today. Instead of setting the government agenda for 2026, the brief speech delivered by Lt-Gov […]
Get Ready to Party: Why attending party conventions matter
Political party conventions are a not-to-miss event in the calendar. They are an opportunity for party-faithful to come together to either celebrate their success or commiserate with each other and make sure the senior leadership of their party hear their frustrations and commits to doing things differently. Long gone are the days of delegated leadership […]