Special Edition 1/2: Ottawa's Lobby Firms
Special Edition 1/2: Ottawa's Lobby Firms
In today's annual special issue, we profile Ottawa's 25 most active lobby firms
While the monitoring and analytics parts of GR work are likely to evolve and become more software-, tech- and AI-supported, the bread and butter of GR work that is opening doors and taking meetings may actually become more reliant on the human touch and connections provided by external lobby consultants.
That is why Queen Street Analytics annually profiles Ottawa’s top-50 biggest lobby-firms for our readers. Today, the first half of this special double-edition covers firms 1-25, ranked by 12-months’ lobby-communications; next month, the second half covers firms 26-50.1
This annual special edition profiles lobby firms broadly, based on the industries they represent, doors they open, etc. If your organization has more specific needs, such as finding the lobby-firms with the deepest experience in a given sector, the most involvement with a given issue, or the strongest ties to a specific institution, DPOH, or MP, consider subscribing to LobbyIQ’s expertise-finder package.
1. PAA
Ottawa’s largest GR firm by communications, with 1047 communications over the last 12 month, 37 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients, and 101 lobby-registered clients overall, 83 of which generated communications in the last year
with a large team, PAA spreads its lobbying work very evenly between senior and junior consultants, ranking 50th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across its lobbyists. Most active consultants: Andrew Walker (157), Dan Pfeffer (111), Annyse Hawkins (87), 12-month communications in brackets
represents clients from a wide range of industries, ranking 40th out of 50 firms in terms of how specialized it is are across industries. Main industries represented: Performing arts, Mining (metal ore), and Electric power generation
2. Crestview
Ottawa’s second-largest GR firm by communications, with 732 communications over the last 12 month, 27 lobbyists with registered clients, and 143 lobby-registered clients, 88 of which generated communications
spreads its lobbying work very evenly between senior and junior consultants, ranking 49th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across its lobbyists. Most active consultants: John O'Leary (108), Emily Gilroy (83), Laila Hawrylyshyn (83), 12-month communications in brackets
represents clients from a wide range of industries, ranking 50th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Mining (metal ore), Oil and gas extraction, Universities, colleges and research institutes
3. Sandstone Group
Ottawa’s third-largest GR firm by communications, with 435 communications over the last 12 months, 12 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients, and 51 lobby-registered clients overall, 35 of which generated communications in the last year
spreads its lobbying work evenly across its team, ranking 40th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across its lobbyists. Most active consultants: Kevin Bosch (111), Naresh Raghubeer (93), Shawn Driscoll (55), 12-month communications in brackets
represents clients from a wide range of industries, ranking 44th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Indigenous public administration, Aquaculture, Labour organizations
4. Sussex Strategy Group
Ottawa’s fourth-largest GR firm by communications, with 435 communications over the last 12 months, 15 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients, and 101 lobby-registered clients overall, 55 of which generated communications in the last year
spreads its lobbying work fairly evenly across its team, ranking 36th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across its lobbyists. Most active consultants: Dan Lovell (169), Roberto Chávez (62), Liam Daly (48), 12-month communications in brackets
has some degree of specialization in certain industries, ranking 35th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Indigenous public administration, Electric power generation, Construction (heavy and civil infrastructure)
5. Counsel Public Affairs Inc.
Ottawa’s fifth-largest GR firm by communications, with 411 communications over the last 12 months, 12 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients, and 53 lobby-registered clients overall, 39 of which generated communications in the last year
spreads its lobbying work fairly evenly across its team, ranking 39th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across its lobbyists. Most active consultants: John Delacourt (104), William Shelling (73), Sheamus Murphy (61), 12-month communications in brackets
very diversified in its client representation, ranking 45th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Indigenous public administration, Telecommunications, Oil and gas extraction
6. The Capital Hill Group Inc.
Ottawa’s sixth-largest GR firm by communications, with 392 communications over the last 12 months, 8 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients, and 123 lobby-registered clients overall, 65 of which generated communications in the last year
somewhat more reliant on a small group of consultants, ranking 24th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across its lobbyists. Most active consultants: David Angus (204), Fernando Minna (52), Jonathan Ballingall (46), 12-month communications in brackets
fairly diversified in its client representation, ranking 32nd out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Computing and IT, Software, Computer and electronic product manufacturing
7. StrategyCorp Inc.
Ottawa’s seventh-largest GR firm by communications, with 358 communications over the last 12 months, 20 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients, and 83 lobby-registered clients overall, 48 of which generated communications in the last year
spreads its advocacy work very evenly across its fairly large team, ranking 47th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across its lobbyists. Most active consultants: Garry Keller (53), Frédérik Larouche (47), Wil Robertson (46), 12-month communications in brackets
very diversified in its client representation, ranking 49th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Social assistance, Nuclear power, Training and employment services
8. Bluesky Strategy Group
Ottawa’s eighth-largest GR firm by communications, with 336 communications over the last 12 months, 11 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients, and 47 lobby-registered clients overall, 20 of which generated communications in the last year
spreads its advocacy work very evenly across its mid-sized team, ranking 43rd out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across its lobbyists. Most active consultants: Geoff Turner (78), Susan Smith (77), Raphael Brass (42), 12-month communications in brackets
some degree of specialization in its client representation, ranking 33rd out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Mining (metal ore), Pipelines and LNG, Chemical manufacturing (basic)
9. David Pratt & Associates
Ottawa’s ninth-largest GR firm by communications, with 271 communications over the last 12 months, 1 lobbyist with lobby-registered clients, and 15 lobby-registered clients overall, 12 of which generated communications in the last year
one of three founder-run firms on our list, David Pratt took all 271 of his firm’s meetings, making him Ottawa’s busiest lobbyist bar none
fairly specialized in its client representation, ranking 10th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Defense, Computing and IT, Computer and electronic product manufacturing
10. Prospectus Associates
Ottawa’s tenth-largest GR firm by communications, with 263 communications over the last 12 months, 7 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients, and 59 lobby-registered clients overall, 38 of which generated communications in the last year
spreads its advocacy work evenly across its fairly small team. Most active consultants: Martin-Pierre Pelletier (85), Bruce Hartley (75), Angela Meco (69), 12-month communications in brackets
diversified in its client representation, ranking 43rd out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Airports and air transportation, Ports and water transportation, Aerospace manufacturing
11. Global Public Affairs
Ottawa’s eleventh-largest GR firm by communications, with 254 communications over the last 12 months, 19 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients, and 93 lobby-registered clients overall, 42 of which generated communications in the last year
spreads its advocacy work very evenly across its fairly large team, ranking 48th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across its lobbyists. Most active consultants: Jayson McDonald (31), Monique Smith (31), Michael Friesen (29), 12-month communications in brackets
diversified in its client representation, ranking 46th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Sound recording industries, Professional organizations, Metal manufacturing
12. NATIONAL Public Relations
Ottawa’s twelfth-largest GR firm by communications, with 181 communications over the last 12 months, 11 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients, and 53 lobby-registered clients overall, 38 of which generated communications in the last year
keeps its advocacy work pretty concentrated with two of its team members, ranking 16th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across its lobbyists. Most active consultants: Marc Desmarais (129), Siera Draper (30), Martine Robert (6), 12-month communications in brackets
diversified in its client representation, ranking 48th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Residential care facilities, Newspaper and book publishers, Business associations
13. Impact Public Affairs
Ottawa’s thirteenth-largest GR firm by communications, with 180 communications over the last 12 months, 18 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients, and 66 lobby-registered clients overall, 30 of which generated communications in the last year
spreads its advocacy work evenly across its team, ranking 46th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across its lobbyists. Most active consultants: Barbara Barrett (34), Huw Williams (28), Anastasios Housakos (23), 12-month communications in brackets
fairly diversified in its client representation, ranking 37th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Food and beverage retailers, Food manufacturing, Professional organizations
14. Maple Leaf Strategies
Ottawa’s fourteenth-largest GR firm by communications, with 170 communications over the last 12 months, 9 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients, and 41 lobby-registered clients overall, 24 of which generated communications in the last year
medium degree of concentration in its advocacy work, ranking 30th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across its lobbyists. Most active consultants: Alik Angaladian (71), Gordon Quaiattini (37), Amanda Murray (30), 12-month communications in brackets
fairly diversified in its client representation, ranking 36th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Aquaculture, Environment and wildlife organizations, Defense
15. Temple Scott Associates Inc.
Ottawa’s fifteenth-largest GR firm by communications, with 168 communications over the last 12 months, 11 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients, and 71 lobby-registered clients overall, 27 of which generated communications in the last year
spreads its advocacy work evenly across its team, ranking 44th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across its lobbyists. Most active consultants: Brian Klunder (38), Joshua Matthewman (30), Kevin Macadam (28), 12-month communications in brackets
fairly diversified in its client representation, ranking 39th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Environment and wildlife organizations, Fisheries, Financial investments
16. Rubicon Strategy Inc.
Ottawa’s sixteenth-largest GR firm by communications, with 152 communications over the last 12 months, 10 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients, and 39 lobby-registered clients overall, 17 of which generated communications in the last year
spreads its advocacy work fairly evenly across its team, ranking 34th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across its lobbyists. Most active consultants: Andy Singh (39), Braedan De Bakker (25), Andrew Balfour (24), 12-month communications in brackets
very diversified in its client representation, ranking 47th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Broadcasting, Electric power generation, Petroleum and coal products manufacturing
17. Strategies North Advisory Inc.
Ottawa’s seventeenth-largest GR firm by communications, with 139 communications over the last 12 months, 3 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients
Strategies North Advisory’s team of three consultants are all very active in taking meetings: Grace Smith (58), Austin Glover (53), James Grant Barley (28), 12-month communications in brackets
the most specialized lobby firm in Ottawa in terms of its client representation: 100% of its clients are Indigenous stakeholder groups
18. Edelman
Ottawa’s eighteenth-largest GR firm by communications, with 129 communications over the last 12 months, 11 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients, and 33 lobby-registered clients overall, 21 of which generated communications in the last year
spreads its advocacy work fairly evenly across its team, ranking 31st out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across its lobbyists. Most active consultants: Kevin Tetreault (55), Pierre Cyr (20), Ashley Brambles (13), 12-month communications in brackets
somewhat concentrated in its client representation, ranking 26th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Computing and IT, Wholesale (electronic parts, machinery and equipment), Health advocacy organizations
19. GT & Company
Ottawa’s nineteenth-largest GR firm by communications, with 125 communications over the last 12 months, 4 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients, and 28 lobby-registered clients overall, 21 of which generated communications in the last year
keeps its advocacy work concentrated in a small team, ranking 18th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across its lobbyists. Most active consultants: Andrew Teliszewsky (62), Julie Dewolfe (45), Julie O'Driscoll (12), 12-month communications in brackets
medium degree of concentration in its client representation, ranking 27th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Electric power generation, Food manufacturing, Real estate and housing
20. Earnscliffe Strategy Group
Ottawa’s twentieth-largest GR firm by communications, with 121 communications over the last 12 months, 16 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients, and 100 lobby-registered clients overall, 36 of which generated communications in the last year
keeps its advocacy work very spread across its team, ranking 45th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across its lobbyists. Most active consultants: Lonzell Locklear (26), Sean Murphy (22), Victoria Lachance (11), 12-month communications in brackets
very diversified in its client representation, ranking 47th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Environment and wildlife organizations, Railroad rolling stock manufacturing, Machinery manufacturing
21. Blackbird Strategies, Ltd.
Ottawa’s twenty-first-largest GR firm by communications, with 120 communications over the last 12 months, 6 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients, and 19 lobby-registered clients overall, 11 of which generated communications in the last year
keeps its advocacy somewhat spread across its mid-sized team, ranking 22nd out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across its lobbyists. Most active consultants: Tom Potter (66), Lucas Borchenko (20), Keith Sheppard (13), 12-month communications in brackets
concentrated in its client representation, ranking 6th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Indigenous public administration, Science and engineering research
22. Cheema Strategies Incorporated
Ottawa’s twenty-second-largest GR firm by communications, with 118 communications over the last 12 months, 1 lobbyist with lobby-registered clients, and 8 lobby-registered clients overall, all 8 of which generated communications in the last year
one of the three fully “founder-run” among Ottawa’s top-25 firms, Bilal Cheema runs all of the firm’s communications
pretty concentrated in its client representation, ranking 8th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Indigenous public administration, Spectator sports
23. Public Affairs Counsel
Ottawa’s twenty-third-largest GR firm by communications, with 109 communications over the last 12 months, 1 lobbyist with lobby-registered clients, and 20 lobby-registered clients overall, 11 of which generated communications in the last year
the OG of Ottawa’s “founder-run” lobby firms, Isabel Metcalfe has been running all of her firm’s communications for many years
Considering all communications are run by one person, the firm manages to remain remarkably diversified in its client representation, ranking 16th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Banking, Indigenous advocacy organizations, Broadcast media
24. Alar Strategy Group Inc.
Ottawa’s twenty-fourth-largest GR firm by communications, with 108 communications over the last 12 months, 2 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients, and 21 lobby-registered clients overall, 17 of which generated communications in the last year
Alar is the new kid on the block among Ottawa’s top-25 and its communications are pretty concentrated with two consultants: Richard Maksymetz (99), Laura Young (9)
ranks 31st out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Health and personal care retailers, Pipelines and LNG, Industrial gas manufacturing
25. Compass Rose Group
Ottawa’s twenty-fifth-largest GR firm by communications, with 106 communications over the last 12 months, 7 lobbyists with lobby-registered clients, and 43 lobby-registered clients overall, 19 of which generated communications in the last year
keeps its advocacy spread out across its small to mid-sized team, ranking 34th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across its lobbyists. Most active consultants: Andrea Sarkic (29), Kathleen Walsh (26), Jacqueline Larocque (25), 12-month communications in brackets
fairly diversified in its client representation, ranking 34th out of 50 firms in terms of how concentrated its communications are across industries. Main industries represented: Broadcasting, Ports and water transportation
This concludes today’s issue giving a snapshot of the 25 largest lobby firms in Ottawa. In the next edition, we will look at firms number 26-50.
We define “big” only on lobby-registration metrics. That means some large consulting firms like H&K or Dentons, which offer a range of services in PR, campaigning, communications, legal, or compliance, may show up as relatively small players here. At the same time, some firms that are laser-focused on opening doors in Ottawa may show up as big players here, despite being relatively boutique operations overall.