Ben Parsons is a Vice President at Counsel Public Affairs and a senior federal lobbyist. He helps companies, industry associations and Indigenous organizations get results in Ottawa. He advises on the issues driving the federal agenda: Canada–US trade and tariffs, major projects and critical minerals, AI and privacy regulation, and Indigenous economic partnerships.
A former opposition researcher and senior advisor to the federal Liberal caucus, Ben has an extensive network across government, Parliament and the media. He leads federal budget advocacy for clients through the full cycle: pre-budget submissions, engagement with Finance Canada and ministers’ offices, and follow-through on implementation.
Ben helps companies hit by U.S. tariffs make their case in Ottawa, from the CUSMA review to federal support for affected sectors. He has helped clients secure Strategic Response Fund support and advises on application strategy for the fund and other federal trade-response programs.
On major projects, energy and critical minerals, he advises proponents and investors pursuing designation as projects of national interest under the Building Canada Act. He guides them through federal permitting and approvals, including the Impact Assessment Act. He also advises on capital formation, helping projects draw on federal tools such as the Canada Infrastructure Bank, the Canada Growth Fund, Indigenous loan guarantees and the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit. Clients come to him for a clear path through approvals and financing.
Technology companies and startups rely on his advice on Canada’s changing digital rules, including federal privacy and AI legislation and amendments to the Competition Act. He helps them see where policy is heading and make their views heard before the rules are set.
His Indigenous partnerships work includes advising First Nations and Indigenous development corporations on rights and recognition, equity ownership in major projects, and access to federal programs. He also helps companies build lasting partnerships with Indigenous communities.
International companies entering or expanding in Canada turn to him to understand how federal decisions are made and to reach the right ministers and officials, in full compliance with the Lobbying Act.
With a career spanning politics, government and public affairs, he has a practical understanding of how decisions are made and how to move them.
Have an idea, a challenge or just a question? Book a quick call with Ben by clicking here.