Ontario government hires PR firm to lobby U.S.
The Ontario government has signed a $1.3-million contract with a public relations firm to lobby the U.S. government before and after the November election south of the border.
The agreement between the Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs and Capitol Council, a firm based in Washington, D.C., took effect on Aug. 1 and will last 11 months, according to a copy of the contract.
"With billions of dollars of economic activity on the line, we're investing now in the relationships we'll need to protect good Ontario jobs," said Grace Lee, a spokesperson for the province.
The contract covers a pre-elections period until Oct. 31 and a post-elections period from Nov. 1 to July 31, 2025. It does not specify whether the work is limited to lobbying around the presidential, congressional, state or local elections that are all taking place in November.
Over the course of the agreement, the province will pay a maximum of about $1.3 million.
The contract requests that the firm researches and analyzes the impact of proposed U.S. policies and legislation on "specific Ontario key issues and sectors."
As well, the firm is set to review the province's communications and key messages to make recommendations on "how to better position for a U.S. audience."
After the November elections, the firm will create a first-100-days plan. It will include advice on longer-term issues and priorities for the province, including the upcoming review of the Canada-US-Mexico Trade Agreement, which is scheduled for 2026.
The province is also seeking reports on proposed legislation that supports Ontario's "scenario planning," depending on the election results.
Premier Doug Ford said he met with U.S. legislators on Thursday morning to discuss the trading relationship between Canada and the U.S.
"From nuclear power and critical minerals to the electric vehicle sector, we have a great opportunity to work together," the premier wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles responded to the agreement on Thursday, saying the premier should focus more on the priorities of Ontarians, including the health care system and the province’s housing crisis. (Legislative Assembly of Ontario)
During a news conference on Thursday, Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles responded by saying she questioned the government's priorities.
While the relationship between the province and the U.S. is very important, she said, the premier should focus more on the priorities of Ontarians — including the health-care system and housing crisis.
"I would like to see [Ford] put just as much attention to the issues right here in our backyard," Stiles said.
