BC Speech from the Throne

Patriotism on display during BC Throne Speech Days after Canadians displayed national pride like they never have before on Flag Day, members of the BC Legislature stood united against punishing American tariffs threatened by US President Donald Trump. In a gesture of solidarity seldom seen in the chamber, MLAs from all three parties stood together […]

BC Legislature Resumes: Eby Sharpens Focus on Economy and Trade Security

After a break following the provincial election, the BC Legislature will spring forward on February 18 with the reading of the Speech from the Throne. This document, read for the first time by new Lt. Gov. Wendy Lisogar-Cocchia, is likely still a work in progress due to the volatile nature of Canada-US politics and the looming […]

Doug Ford’s Implausible Three-Peat

This remains a race for second. Doug Ford and the PC Party of Ontario are close to pulling off a historic three-peat not seen in Ontario for decades. They lead in every region, and most demographics province-wide. This is despite facing headwinds that could otherwise sink an incumbent campaign.    Only 26% of Ontarians say […]

Don’t Squander the Rare Chance to Fix Internal Trade in Canada

The threat of tariffs from Canada’s largest trading partner has lit a fire under Canada to rethink our national economy.   Provinces need to seize this opportunity while the iron is hot. Every province in Canada has a list of regulations that it could eliminate, improve, or harmonize. Any delay could squander the fleeting chance […]

Ontario Election: Tariff Timeout

British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan was once asked what the most troubling problem of his prime ministership was. “Events, my dear boy, events,” was his reply. We’re sure the leaders of all Ontario parties can relate to Mr. Macmillan after a wild last week. But, with Monday’s news of a 30-day tariff pause, what does […]

Trump Backs Down on Tariff Threat – for 30 Days

Following a frantic week of diplomacy by Canadian officials, US President Trump has delayed the implementation of the 25% tariff package by one month. Last night, financial markets were thrown into turmoil as the prospect of trade war with Canada, Mexico, China and the European Union began to be priced into global markets.   Early […]

A New Tariff in Town – Updated Afternoon of 01/31/25

5:05PM EST UPDATE Trump made statements in the oval office this afternoon following his meeting with NVIDIA CEO, Jensen Huang. Trump stated that he intends to proceed with tariffs against Mexico and Canada tomorrow, but remained unclear on what would be included. He specifically mentioned new tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper and pharmaceuticals. He also […]

Alberta’s Heritage Fund Plan: A Preview of a Tight Budget?

Premier Danielle Smith’s government has announced a vision to shore up the province’s finances long-term by growing the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund to $250 billion by 2050. This follows a campaign commitment and signals a shift toward a long-term economic strategy, to ensure Alberta can weather economic downturns and emerge as a stronger, more self-sufficient player in Canada.  Setting the Stage for a Belt Tightening Budget?  As Alberta moves toward the […]

And They’re Off: Counsel’s 3 Keys Shaping the 2025 Ontario Election

We get it. Elections are unsettling: they’re often unpredictable, always disruptive and endlessly intoxicating for the political watchers among us.  Counsel’s Ontario team has kept its ear to the ground of the Ontario political environment to bring you our 3 keys shaping the 2025 Ontario Election.  1. Doug Ford and the PC Party see a […]

Matthew Gardner Joins Counsel’s Growing Manitoba Team

Counsel is excited to welcome Matthew Gardner as a Winnipeg-based Consultant to Counsel’s expanding Manitoba team.   Prior to joining Counsel, Matthew worked at The Winnipeg Foundation, Canada’s first community foundation and one of the longest-standing charities in Manitoba. At the Foundation, he supported strategic initiatives to bolster Winnipeg’s charitable sector and acted as a bridge to the […]