Insights

Founded in 2004, Counsel has over 20 years of experience as one of Canada’s most respected and successful public affairs firms.

Counsel Expands Ontario Team

Counsel is proud to announce the expansion of its Ontario team with the addition of Raymond Chan as Senior Account Director and Jessica McDougall as Senior Consultant to serve our growing business.  

Raymond Chan  

Raymond brings over 15 years of experience working in government, advocacy, and regulatory affairs to his new role at Counsel.  

He has held senior roles at the federal level, with two provincial regulators, and with the City of Toronto, where he worked across party lines to navigate complex political and bureaucratic environments. He has successfully advocated for change at all levels of government, including across numerous Ontario municipalities.  

“We are thrilled to have Raymond Chan join our expanding Ontario practice,” said Tim Hudak, Partner. “Ray’s vast experience at all three levels of government will provide our clients with exceptional service and valuable insights – leading to more wins.” 

As a corporate spokesperson for a transportation advocacy group, Raymond led the charge for promoting road safety campaigns, advocated for public infrastructure improvements, and played a leading role in advancing towing and storage reforms across the province. Raymond has also worked on regulatory oversight of the retirement homes sector and electrical safety in Ontario. 

Jessica McDougall 

Jessica is a public affairs and stakeholder engagement professional with expertise in policy development, government relations, and strategic issue management. In her work, she specializes in translating complex regulatory and political landscapes into clear, actionable strategies that build trust, strengthen reputations, and deliver targeted results.   

“Jessica’s background in both the public and private sectors, combined with her military service, make her an invaluable asset to our clients and our team,” said Devan Sommerville, Senior Vice President.  

Prior to joining Counsel, Jessica held public affairs roles at a Fortune 500 medical technology company, where she led cross-functional initiatives focused on health system partnerships, market access, and thought leadership. She also worked in the Office of the Premier at Queen’s Park, assisting with ministerial and stakeholder engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside her civilian career, Jessica currently serves in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Naval Reserve Public Affairs Officer, supporting communications and public engagement efforts. 

Learn more about Counsel’s team.