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 Board. During her time at Treasury Board, she played a critical role in supporting the delivery of two provincial budgets that advanced major government priorities, shaping outcomes across Ontario’s economy, labour relations, education systems, and broader public-sector operations. She led key files, including collective bargaining, postsecondary policy reforms, and large-scale education capital investment programs.
“Summer’s deep experience at the centre of government decision‑making, combined with her sharp strategic instincts and ability to manage complex, high‑stakes files, makes her an outstanding addition to Counsel,” said Tim Hudak, Partner. “Her track record supporting major fiscal and policy decisions – including public sector labour bargaining – and her insight into how priorities move through Treasury Board, Cabinet, and central agencies, will help our clients anticipate risks and align with government priorities to get goals across the line.”
Previously, Summer worked in the Premier’s Office as part of the Issues Management, Research, and Legislative Affairs team. She advised Cabinet Ministers, the Government House Leader’s Office, and government caucus members on legislative priorities, Question Period strategy, and high-profile research initiatives.
With more than a decade of experience in both provincial and federal Conservative politics, Summer has supported numerous successful election campaigns. She was part of the 2022 Ontario PC Party War Room, contributing to Premier Doug Ford’s historic, expanded second majority mandate.
Summer holds a Bachelor of Business Management and Organizational Studies degree, majoring in Accounting, from Western University.