Ontario Government Relations

Nicko is a seasoned government relations professional with an expert understanding of building relationships, achieving consensus, and delivering results in high-stakes political environments. Before joining Wellington, Nicko worked in the private sector, advising some of Canada’s leading businesses on navigating the complexity of government. He has also served as a senior advisor in the Ontario government, political offices, and the civil service. He led teams responsible for policy development, stakeholder relations, and communications. Nicko concluded his tenure in government as Director of Policy to the Attorney General of Ontario, where he led the ministry’s policy mandate and managed politically sensitive legal affairs files.

Carrie Barr brings extensive experience in Ontario’s public sector, holding senior roles across multiple ministries, including Director of Policy to the Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Supply Ontario. With a background in policy development and stakeholder relations, Carrie has advised cabinet-level decision-makers on significant files, including consumer protection, digital services, public safety, and pandemic logistics, while managing diverse stakeholder interests. At Supply Ontario, Carrie led initiatives to build relationships across the healthcare, municipal, higher education, and public sectors, emphasizing collaboration with industry associations. Carrie holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Toronto and an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from McMaster University.

Benjamin Lamb has years of public and private sector leadership experience. He served as Ministerial advisor in Ontario’s Provincial Government for multiple ministries, such as Infrastructure and Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development. During his service, he managed MPP and stakeholder relations, intergovernmental engagement, and complex policies. Some of these policies included Ontario’s immigration programs. Given Benjamin’s years of senior leadership experience, he naturally understands how to navigate Government processes, manage relationships, and innovate solutions.

Jaide Kassam is a Consultant specializing in the Ontario practice. Prior to joining Wellington Advocacy, Jaide most recently concluded a research internship with a government relations firm in Ottawa. She has actively engaged in various political internships at Queen’s Park and Parliament Hill, where she worked directly with MPPs, MPs, and ministers. Jaide holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honors) from Carleton University, in Criminology and Law.