COUNSEL PUBLIC AFFAIRS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Senior Director, Opinion Research
Job Titles:
- Account Director, Federal Advocacy
- Public Policy and Government Relations Expert
Alex MacDonald is a public policy and government relations expert. He thrives on dissecting complex public policy issues and understanding how the different levers of power within governments best function.
Having worked in government, opposition and the private sector, Alex can competently navigate the nexus of government relations on behalf Counsel's clients.
Alex has regularly contributed to the public square of ideas through opinion pieces and articles on a variety of topics including housing, drug policy, Arctic security and defence.
As a passionate policy practitioner, Alex has been sought out by political parties at both the federal and provincial levels to help research and draft electoral platforms.
Before joining Counsel Public Affairs, Alex was the Government Affairs Manager of Magnet Forensics, a leading Canadian tech company in the cybersecurity and digital forensics sector. On Parliament Hill, he served as a Policy Advisor to the Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. In the Alberta Government, Alex served in the Premier's Office and assisted the Minister of Education on curriculum reform. At the United Nations, Alex served a Member State by following and advising on international peace and security issues, including disarmament affairs and peacekeeping.
Alex holds a Master of Strategic Studies from the University of Calgary and a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University, specializing in political science and history.
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President, Western Canada
- Associate Vice President, Western Canada Public Affairs
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Federal Advocacy
Ben Parsons is a political professional and senior federal lobbyist. He advises clients on Indigenous rights and recognition, climate and energy, industrial policy and the regulation of tech.
A former opposition researcher and senior advisor to the federal Liberal caucus, Ben is known for his extensive network across politics, government, and the news media. Ben regularly advises C-suite executives, non-profit directors, and elected officials, guiding them to develop and advocate for major, meaningful public policy changes.
Representing some of Canada's biggest organizations, Ben is engaged on some of the most difficult public policy challenges facing Canada. In recent years he has advised clients on the Clean Technology Investment Tax Credit, the Digital Charter Implementation Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, and the Impact Assessment Act.
Ben has also advised political officials at the provincial level, most recently co-authoring the BC Liberal Party's 2020 post-election report and acting as BC Premier Christy Clark's Digital Director in her successful 2013 election campaign. He has worked for numerous municipal campaigns, including in 2014 as Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson's Director of Issues Management.
As a volunteer, Ben has worked on democratic reform abroad. He has acted as an Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe election observer in Ukraine and Russia and as a trainer for activists in the Middle East and North Africa region during the Arab Spring.
Ben sits on the boards of the non-profit Spearhead Huts Society and the publicly traded Three Sixty Solar Ltd. He can be found on Instagram and LinkedIn.
A Principal and owner of Counsel Public Affairs, Bob is a trusted advisor to clients across many sectors. In addition to a long list of corporate clients (over 150 during his career), Bob has advised associations representing Ontario's hospitals, universities, power producers, pharmacists, research-based pharmaceutical manufacturers, forestry companies and the gaming industry.
On the communications side, Bob has provided crisis simulation training for one of Canada's largest transportation companies, assisted in the launch of a joint venture by the capital market arms of Canada's largest banks, and advised CEOs and board chairs on crises including medical errors, plant closures, executive dismissal and a hostile corporate takeover.
Brad served as Principal Secretary and Director of Communications for the Hon. Jack Layton and as National Director and Director of Communications for the NDP.
Brad is a weekly panelist on CBC News Network's Power & Politics and appears in media across Canada as a political commentator. He is a Fellow at the Broadbent Institute and a Board Member of the Douglas Coldwell Layton Foundation.
Charles Harnick, Q.C. has spent a career as a lawyer, negotiator, government relations specialist, mediator and arbitrator. The common element in each of these endeavors is that Charles solves problems that people bring to him. He fixes things.
Charles served as Attorney General of Ontario and Minister Responsible for Native Affairs from 1995-1999, and as MPP for the riding of Willowdale from 1990-1999. As Attorney General, he orchestrated the creation of the Ontario Mandatory Mediation Program and Legal Aid Ontario, and as Minister Responsible for Native Affairs, oversaw the conclusion of five major land claims.
His broad network of relationships comes from years of experience working in the government and as a lawyer. Called to the Bar in 1977, Charles continues to be an active and successful civil litigator, specializing in alternative dispute resolution and engaging in stakeholder management, arbitration, and issues analysis and mitigation.
Charles has provided government relations services and strategic advice to a wide range of public and private sector clients, including Indigenous Affairs, land development, legal and regulatory affairs, municipal affairs, and environmental policy.
Charles received the distinction of Specialist in Civil Litigation by the Law Society of Upper Canada in 1991, the designation of the Queen's Counsel by the Government of Canada in 1992, and was awarded the Law Society Medal in 2005.
He is the right strategist with the right experience to resolve complex issues and provide sound, strategic communications counsel to clients.
Job Titles:
- Senior Consultant, Federal Advocacy
Job Titles:
- Senior Consultant
- Senior Consultant, British Columbia
Job Titles:
- Senior Advisor
- Consultant to the National Democratic Institute
David Bieber has worked in strategic communications and government relations for over 25 years, serving political parties, labour unions, non-profit organizations, and a wide range of private sector clients.
David has been with Counsel since 2017, working with clients confronting some of the most challenging public policy issues of the day - the climate crisis, emerging technologies, the gig economy, and health care. He has a deep focus, and considerable experience, on the ongoing housing shortage and the need to align the efforts of government and residential construction clients in BC.
As Director of Government Relations and Strategic Initiatives for the Health Science Association, the union representing over 22,000 specialized health workers in BC, he's raised visibility of these essential professionals through public advocacy, media relations, and advertising, and he's worked closely with government and union leadership to deal with the impact of the pandemic and ongoing shortage of the people who keep our health care system running.
A former Director of Communications for the BC New Democratic Party, he's known for helping rebuild the NDP's capacity during difficult years in opposition, where he oversaw several provincial and federal election campaigns, directing public opinion research, message development, strategic positioning, advertizing and media relations.
David also serves as a consultant to the National Democratic Institute, a non-partisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions around the world. He has worked with political parties and civil society organizations facing enormous challenges and opportunities, including those in Pakistan, Kosovo and Yemen. He continues to support non-partisan public opinion research efforts in support of Armenia's newly-established democratic political parties.
He has no spare time, but if he did, he would read more books and a lot more hiking.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Western Canada
Deron Bilous is a results-driven executive with extensive experience leading Western Canada's largest economic development ministry. From negotiating national and international trade agreements, to securing major domestic and international investments in the energy, petrochemical, life sciences, agriculture, forestry, technology, and artificial intelligence sectors. His deep insights into, and relationships with, government and industry leaders make him the "go-to" person to drive client outcomes.
Deron served three terms in the Alberta Legislature, both in opposition and government. In addition to being appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs and Service Alberta - he created the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (EDT) to attract international investment, leverage science and innovation, and support the Alberta business ecosystem. During his tenure, he developed important working relationships with senior industry and economic development leaders across Alberta and around the world.
He designed tax credits that delivered a 3:1 return on investment, supported the creation of hundreds of new jobs, and acted as a catalyst for Alberta companies to continue to grow locally while entering new markets at home and abroad.
Devan Sommerville is an experienced government relations professional. He has engaged with many of Ontario's leading elected officials and policy practitioners on the challenging issues confronting Ontario today. Devan is an impactful lobbyist with a balance of practical public policy experience and forward-thinking insight. Today, Devan specializes in Ontario Government Relations - Housing and Land Development.
Devan has advocated on behalf of a diverse range of clients across many sectors. These sectors include the emerging and innovative economy, residential and commercial development, housing, infrastructure & construction, environment, health care, and entertainment.
He is also an experienced member of Counsel's Indigenous Facilitation practice. Devan supports both private and public sector clients in navigating culturally-sensitive and respectful engagement with First Nations and Indigenous peoples in Ontario.
Prior to joining Counsel's public affairs agency, Devan served as the Senior Policy Advisor to two of Ontario's Ministers for Municipal Affairs and Housing. In this role, he was responsible for providing strategic advice to the Minister on a wide range of issues involving development and land use across Ontario, including the Growth Plan and Greenbelt. He oversaw the completion of Ontario's updated Provincial Policy Statement, a pivotal land-use planning policy document for municipalities across the province. He also held a critical role in directing the course of a major consultation on the future of the Planning Act and the Development Charges Act.
In addition, Devan previously served in a similar capacity for both the Minister of Labour and the Premier of Ontario. These progressively senior roles enabled him to engage closely with key issues affecting numerous strategic sectors of the Ontario economy.
Devan holds a Master's degree in Public Policy from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Toronto.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Operations, Brand, and Talent
Job Titles:
- Senior Consultant, Prairies
Job Titles:
- Consultant, Federal Advocacy
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Consultant, Communications and Campaigns
Job Titles:
- Account Director, Ontario
Job Titles:
- Counsel
- Journalist
- Vice President, Western Canada
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President, Prairies
Job Titles:
- Corporate Secretary and Paralegal
- Director, Complianc
- Director, Compliance
Jignasha Gohil brings her breadth of skills in business, finance, and law to the coordination of Counsel's administrative and compliance needs. With professional training as a paralegal and corporate secretary, Jignasha brings a keen eye for detail to all of her work.
Jignasha has served as a Corporate Secretary and Paralegal in multiple environments, including investment banking, law, and industry. Most recently, she held a wide range of responsibilities, including legal and financial research, advising on legal and tax implications, reporting to regulatory bodies, preparing financial reports, and facilitating communication across departments.
Raised in the Middle East and educated in India, Jignasha also established and executed a program through the World Youth Council to support students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having lived a nomadic life, her varied cultural experiences allow her to harmonize in diverse teams and bring unique perspectives to projects.
A curious and dedicated learner, Jignasha holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Master of Commerce (Finance), a professional degree from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, and a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B).
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President
- Community Leader
Johanna Chevalier is a dedicated community leader with decades of experience managing high-profile initiatives in both the public and private sector. A former two-term Councillor for the Town of Caledon and Region of Peel, Johanna has worked closely with residents, government representatives, non-profits, and a wide range of stakeholders to support the highest growth municipality in Ontario.
In addition to representing the interests of the over 20,000 diverse residents of Caledon's Ward 2, Johanna drove advocacy positions on high-profile issues such as human trafficking, intimate partner/family violence, anti-Black racism, and illegal land use. Her tireless work led media, fellow Councillors, and service agencies to recognize Johanna as the leading political ally for Anti-Human Trafficking on the Peel Region and Caledon Councils. The Strategy to Address Human Trafficking in Peel, the first municipal strategy in Ontario built on prevention education, supports, and housing, secured over $3 million in additional provincial funding.
Johanna was also the Chair of the Region of Peel's DEAR (Diversity, Equity and Anti Racism) Committee, which brought the Anti-Black Racism Crisis to the forefront in the Region and is considered a model for other Ontario municipalities. Johanna has sat on numerous additional committees and boards, including chairing the Golden Horseshoe Food and Farming Alliance, serving as Vice Chair of the Credit Valley Conservation Authority, and sitting on committees addressing wide-ranging issues, from government relations, to health system integration, to police internet safety.
At the provincial level, Johanna applied her substantial communications and strategic skills to leading a successful campaign for Deputy Premier Sylvia Jones in the 2022 election.
Johanna brings her experience, dedication, and integrity to solving problems and providing strategic advice to clients in Ontario and beyond.
Job Titles:
- Federal Practice Lead, Public Policy Development
- Senior Vice President, Federal Advocacy
John Delacourt specializes in public affairs policy development in Ottawa, Toronto, Greater Vancouver and across Canada. As a strategic communications specialist, John has a broad range of experience in government relations, project management, stakeholder outreach, and community engagement.
Recognized as one of the top 100 Lobbyists in Canada by the Hill Times for five consecutive years, John Delacourt has managed and led public affairs mandates for clients in a wide range of sectors including healthcare, resource development, culture, media, clean and digital technology, financial, and fintech services.
John served in a number of portfolios in three federal Liberal governments, as well as in communications and stakeholder relations in Opposition. He combines his strong understanding of the public policy process at all three levels of government with his communications and professional stakeholder relations skills to provide clients with a full range of strategic public policy development counsel and advocacy services.
Along with his professional public affairs expertise, John has overseen the development of digital marketing and communications products in the private and public sectors. He provides media training and crisis management counsel for senior executives and has guest lectured on building compelling narratives for the digital media landscape.
John is the author of three books and is a regular contributor to Policy magazine. He sits on the Board of Directors for Refugee Hub Canada and the National Advisory Council for The Walrus.
Job Titles:
- COMMUNICATIONS and CAMPAIGNS
- Senior Vice President, Communications and Campaigns
Logan Ross is an experienced professional specializing in crisis management and communications, corporate communications, public engagement and consultation, strategic planning, and project management. As Senior Vice President of Counsel's Communications and Campaigns Practice, Logan has a proven track record working with clients across diverse sectors. Whether it is spearheading large-scale transformation projects or offering unwavering support during times of crisis, Logan is renowned for her composed approach and meticulous attention to detail.
Logan's career includes a central role at the Government of Manitoba, overseeing strategic planning and communications for the Premier of Manitoba and Executive Council. Logan also held the position of Provincial Lead for Communications, Issues, Marketing, and Stakeholder Relations for the Vaccination Implementation Task Force and all COVID-19 initiatives.
While advising the Government of Manitoba, Logan Ross was responsible for developing and implementing communications strategies for major social issues, from local protests addressing anti-Black racism in 2020, to the removal of historic statues in 2021. Her expertise extends to advising on high-stakes initiatives, including evacuations, flooding, wildfires, droughts, facility closures, labour relations issues, and comprehensive government transformation projects in healthcare, education, and mental health.
Prior to joining Counsel, Logan was also a Vice President at a high-stakes crisis communications consulting firm and served as Principal Secretary to the Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition in Ontario and Director of Election Readiness for the Ontario PC Party leading up to the 2018 Ontario Provincial Election.
Logan currently serves as the Service to Members Chair on the board for the Institute of Public Administration - Manitoba Chapter (IPAC), an organization dedicated to promoting public service and policy excellence, and is a publicly appointed member of the Board of Assessors for the College of Occupational Therapists of Manitoba. She is also a member of the International Association of Public Participation, an organization dedicated to promoting and advancing public participation and community engagement globally.
Marg McCuaig-Boyd is Alberta's former Minister of Energy and a longtime educator and administrator.
Marg served as the Member of the Alberta Legislative Assembly and Minister of Energy representing the northern, rural constituency of Dunvegan-Central Peace-Notley from 2015-2019.
Prior to her time in government, Marg spent more 25 years in public and post-secondary education as a teacher and administrator. She served for four years as an executive member with Grande Prairie Regional College, administering the campus in Fairview.
Marg and her husband ran a cow calf operation for more than 25 years and have recently moved to Edmonton.
Meera is a Project Specialist at Counsel with experience coordinating client files across a variety of sectors, including health care, housing development, and not-for-profits.
Additionally, Meera is the former National Outreach Director for Girl Up Canada, the Canadian division of the Girl Up Campaign, based out of the U.N Foundation in Washington. During her tenure, Meera expanded her understanding of stakeholder outreach by working with Girl Up Canada's National Team to build relationships with their municipal and provincial cohorts to deliver the organization's gender equity mandate and develop its presence within Canada during its inaugural year.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Ontario
- Senior Vice President, Ontario Practice Lead
Job Titles:
- Account Director, Communications and Campaigns
Job Titles:
- Financial and Operations Administrator
Job Titles:
- Counsel
- Senior Consultant, British Columbia
Peter is also a skilled and experienced issues manager and crisis communications specialist who has worked on complex and politically sensitive files including child welfare, crime suppression and prevention, and public health.
Job Titles:
- Founding Partner
- President
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President, Ontario
Job Titles:
- Consultant, Communications & Campaigns