Government Relations
Introduction
We know that business and government are key partners to successful social and economic outcomes. We leverage our political and business experience to improve outcomes for businesses and government.
We provide clients with full service government relations support. Wellington drives strategy, aligns tactics and develops the high impact products you need to get noticed.
Clients around the country trust Wellington to deliver real, tangible value and results. We are not in the business of forwarding you government press releases, we are in the business of shaping government press releases.
Federal & Trade
Our team has a deep understanding of the political and regulatory landscape in Canada. We work closely with our clients to understand their specific needs and goals, tailor our services to meet them and provide practical and effective solutions that achieve their objectives.
At Wellington, we specialize in analyzing and developing policies related to free trade agreements, dispute settlement mechanisms, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal, and agricultural policy. We also have extensive experience in dealing with regulatory and compliance issues related to the Canada Border Services Agency. Our team helps clients navigate the complex rules and regulations related to trade. We assist in the drafting and interpretation of regulations, the process and approvals of those regulations, including in the context of trade agreements.
Delivering value for our clients
Practice Leads
Andrea has been recognized as one of the top 100 most influential people in government and politics by The Hill Times and as one of the most influential people in foreign affairs by Embassy Magazine. As the longest serving Foreign Affairs and Trade Advisor to Canada’s 22nd Prime Minister, she played an instrumental role in the conclusion of the Canada-Europe trade negotiations and Canada’s entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations. She advised the Prime Minister and members of cabinet during more than 20 bilateral visits around the world, and at summits which included the G8, G20, North American Leaders’ Summit, COP and NATO. As Chief of Staff to the Minister of International Trade, Andrea was instrumental in the conclusion of trade talks with Ukraine, Israel and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Fluently bilingual, Phil brings a strong background in legislative processes and the Canadian regulatory environment and has also been recognized as one of the top 100 most influential people in Canadian politics by The Hill Times. He draws from his many years as a senior advisor and Chief of Staff on Parliament Hill and his experience includes familiarity with the Cabinet process, communications and issues management. Phil has deep political relationships in both the political and public service realms across Canada. As an expert in parliamentary procedure, Phil brings an unrivaled understanding to the way things work in Ottawa.
Ann brings to Wellington Advocacy decades of comprehensive experience in the development/implementation of trade legislation, regulations, and policies at the domestic and international levels. While serving as a senior public servant in the Government of Canada, Ann has represented Canada at the World Trade Organization (WTO), the United Nations (UN), and at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Most recently, Ann served for over six years as a Permanent Member of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) where she presided over complex cases in the areas of trade remedies, procurement, customs, and excise appeals. Ann also served as co-chair of the CITT Outreach Committee and helped to create the CITT Advisory Committee: a body of legal and industry representatives tasked with providing stakeholder insights and recommendations to the Tribunal. Prior to joining Wellington Advocacy, Ann has served as a strategic consultant for numerous high-profile clients on issues related to international trade policy and strategic communications.
Ann holds a PhD in Canadian Politics from Carleton University and has taught upper-year and graduate level courses in the areas of international trade law, trade negotiations, Canadian law, and public policy at two Canadian universities.
Ann brings to Wellington Advocacy decades of comprehensive experience in the development/implementation of trade legislation, regulations, and policies at the domestic and international levels. While serving as a senior public servant in the Government of Canada, Ann has represented Canada at the World Trade Organization (WTO), the United Nations (UN), and at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). Most recently, Ann served for over six years as a Permanent Member of the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) where she presided over complex cases in the areas of trade remedies, procurement, customs, and excise appeals. Ann also served as co-chair of the CITT Outreach Committee and helped to create the CITT Advisory Committee: a body of legal and industry representatives tasked with providing stakeholder insights and recommendations to the Tribunal. Prior to joining Wellington Advocacy, Ann has served as a strategic consultant for numerous high-profile clients on issues related to international trade policy and strategic communications.
Ann holds a PhD in Canadian Politics from Carleton University and has taught upper-year and graduate level courses in the areas of international trade law, trade negotiations, Canadian law, and public policy at two Canadian universities.
Zita is a seasoned public affairs professional with over 15 years serving in senior government and media relations roles at both the federal and provincial levels. She joins Wellington Advocacy after serving in a number of senior leadership roles in the Trudeau government, including as Director of Issues Management and a seasoned Advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Zita has also served as Chief of Staff to the President of the King’s Privy Council and Minister of Emergency Preparedness, the Minister of Public Safety, and the Minister of National Defence, as well as in senior media relations roles for the Liberal Party of Canada, including during the 2015, 2019, and 2021 election campaigns. At the provincial level, Zita has served in numerous leadership roles under former Liberal Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne, including as Director of Media Relations.
Zita is a seasoned public affairs professional with over 15 years serving in senior government and media relations roles at both the federal and provincial levels. She joins Wellington Advocacy after serving in a number of senior leadership roles in the Trudeau government, including as Director of Issues Management and a seasoned Advisor to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Zita has also served as Chief of Staff to the President of the King’s Privy Council and Minister of Emergency Preparedness, the Minister of Public Safety, and the Minister of National Defence, as well as in senior media relations roles for the Liberal Party of Canada, including during the 2015, 2019, and 2021 election campaigns. At the provincial level, Zita has served in numerous leadership roles under former Liberal Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne, including as Director of Media Relations.
Areas of Expertise: Government Relations, Public Policy, Regulatory Development, Regulatory Approval, Strategic Communications, Stakeholder Engagement, Project Management, International Trade, Border Policy, Foreign Affairs, International Relations
Andrea has more than 20 years of experience working in the public and private sectors, advising some of North America’s largest businesses on bilateral and trilateral trade issues. Andrea was the Foreign Affairs and Trade Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada where she played an instrumental role in the conclusion of the Canada-Europe trade negotiations. Andrea also served as Chief of Staff to the Minister of International Trade where she oversaw the conclusion of trade talks with Ukraine, Israel, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Andrea will navigate complicated transborder activities for your organization, including trade and tariff rules.
Areas of Expertise: Government Relations, Public Policy, Regulatory Development, Regulatory Approval, Strategic Communications, Stakeholder Engagement, Project Management, International Trade, Border Policy, Foreign Affairs, International Relations
Andrea has more than 20 years of experience working in the public and private sectors, advising some of North America’s largest businesses on bilateral and trilateral trade issues. Andrea was the Foreign Affairs and Trade Advisor to the Prime Minister of Canada where she played an instrumental role in the conclusion of the Canada-Europe trade negotiations. Andrea also served as Chief of Staff to the Minister of International Trade where she oversaw the conclusion of trade talks with Ukraine, Israel, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Andrea will navigate complicated transborder activities for your organization, including trade and tariff rules.
Areas of Expertise: Government Relations, Political Campaigns, Trade Policy, Parliamentary Procedure
Fluently bilingual, Phil brings a strong background in legislative processes and the Canadian regulatory environment. Drawn from his many years as a senior advisor and Chief of Staff on Parliament Hill, his experience includes familiarity with the Cabinet process, communications and issues management. Phil has deep political relationships in both the political and public service realms across Canada. As an expert in parliamentary procedure, Phil brings an unrivaled understanding to the way things work in Ottawa and Québec City.
Areas of Expertise: Government Relations, Political Campaigns, Trade Policy, Parliamentary Procedure
Fluently bilingual, Phil brings a strong background in legislative processes and the Canadian regulatory environment. Drawn from his many years as a senior advisor and Chief of Staff on Parliament Hill, his experience includes familiarity with the Cabinet process, communications and issues management. Phil has deep political relationships in both the political and public service realms across Canada. As an expert in parliamentary procedure, Phil brings an unrivaled understanding to the way things work in Ottawa and Québec City.
Expertise
- Cross Border Policy Analysis and Development (Free Trade Agreements, Dispute Settlement Mechanisms, CITT, Agricultural Policy)
- CBSA Regulatory and Compliance issues
- Regulatory Drafting, Interpretation, Processes and Approvals
- International Government and Stakeholder Mapping and Monitoring
- Third-party Stakeholder support
- Targeted Government Relations Strategies (policy or funding)
- Issue and Legislative Monitoring
- Full Communication and Media support
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