Counsel Public Affairs is one of Ontario’s leading public affairs consulting firms. Our veteran team of Principals combines senior-level experience in government, politics and public affairs with an approach which is client-centred and fact-based. Our Principals are committed to offering personalized advice in a small-firm environment. We don’t roll out the big names for the sales pitch then turn the file over to a team of juniors. When you hire our experience, you get it, every step of the way.
And experience counts. As a result, we have helped corporations, associations and non-profit organizations in every sector of the economy achieve their public affairs and government relations goals.
Look below to a list of the expert services we provide to our clients:
Government Relations
We believe that effective government relations begin with clear representation of your issues to those in power. Advocacy is not just about getting through the right doors – it is about delivering the right messages. Counsel relates your concerns to the government’s agenda, builds your case, and helps you to convey it effectively to those who matter. Having worked both inside and outside government, we know the political landscape well.
Public Policy Development and Analysis
Public policy is about government weighing options, evaluating impacts and making choices. We understand the policy process and how to help your organization intervene effectively. We can help to ensure the facts are laid out, your case gets in front of the right people, and the policy implications are clear. Counsel knows where to target attention and when to initiate action for maximum effect.
Strategic Counsel
You are your own best advocate. No lobbyist alone can bring the same degree of personal commitment, specific knowledge, and professional credibility to your case. The starting point for every Counsel engagement is to understand your circumstances and objectives – in depth – and then help you to develop and implement the ideal strategy to get your message out and influence change.
Issues and Crisis Management
Managing issues is a proactive process. If your company or organization is facing a challenge, CPA will work to dispel negative attention and strategically manage issues both politically and publicly.
Ideally, we work with you before issues become incidents. But we know that sometimes things happen beyond your control – stories break, mistakes are made, or competitors get out a step ahead. That’s when Counsel jumps in to minimize the damage, manage the media, cushion the public perception and map out the exit strategy.
Stakeholder Management
The stakeholder landscape is vast, and you ignore it at your peril. Stakeholders play an integral role in shaping projects and initiatives.
Skilled and targeted stakeholder management to both recruit allies and minimize opposition is critical. We have the tools to help you to identify, track and influence stakeholders, be they individuals, non-profit organizations, industry associations or multiple levels of governments and agencies. Counsel reaches out to stakeholders and brings issues to light.
The reputation of our Principals is what drives Counsel’ success. As a team, we offer one-on-one advice and remain directly involved in day to day client work. Counsel does not engage in the classic “bait and switch” practices seen in much larger companies.