Thank you for Subscribing to Gov Business Review Weekly Brief
Gov Business Review: Specials Magazine
Anyone reading this publication has a good understanding of how government relations professionals do their jobs. From behindthe-scenes relationship-building to public advocacy or the use of earned media and grassroots campaigns to generate support, it’s a non-stop grind; sometimes frustrating, often rewarding, and never dull. Now, consider all the above items, put them in the proverbial blender, and add in a new ingredient: due to arcane laws, what your client or employer does is technically considered illegal by the federal government. The reality is that the cannabis space is not precisely ‘illegal,’ but under the current complex mix of laws, selling cannabis is against federal law, despite a majority of U.S. States having created some sort of cannabis reform. “As the nation continues to steadily move forward to full ‘legalization,’ the truth is that we are not quite there yet” Each of the 50 states has varying laws – from complete bans to a nearcomplete laissez-faire approach – and if you represent a multi-state operator, as I do, it is essential to know the nuances of each state and how each of them interface with federal laws. It’s tricky. As I write this, approximately half of adult Americans live in a state where cannabis products are allowed for medical or adult use. To put a fine point on how nuanced working in this space can be, one only needs to notice how I choose not to label cannabis consumption in those states as ‘legal.’ Why not? That word has a specific meaning, and each resident of those states is also subject to federal law. So, while they are ‘allowed’ or ‘permitted’ to purchase and consume cannabis products, doing so remains illegal under federal law. As the nation continues to steadily move forward to full ‘legalization,’ the truth is that we are not quite there yet. But we are making incremental progress, which is critical. While it would be nice to see Washington pass sweeping laws legali
Top Public Affairs Services Provider in Canada 2025
"Every conversation is a chance to shape the story." Whether you’re sitting across from a government official, stepping in front of a camera, or meeting with key stakeholders, the way you communicate can turn complex situations into meaningful opportunities. A well-placed word can open doors, shift perceptions, and build trust that lasts. The key is about speaking with clarity, confidence, and purpose so that your message resonates and creates impact where it matters most. This is where Aurora Strategy Global steps in, making influence achievable through a bespoke, senior-led approach. “We believe in our tagline, ‘Your Message Delivered,’ because it truly defines what we do to help our clients deliver their message to government, media, or stakeholders, and ensure a positive response,” says Marcel Wieder, president. “This isn’t just about sending out a message; it’s about crafting and delivering it in a way that gets results.” Where Every Word Matters Based in Toronto but with a reach across Canada and connections worldwide, Aurora is a senior-led public affairs and strategic communications firm that offers tailored solutions. The company has built a reputation for understanding that no two challenges are identical. Instead of delegating essential matters to junior staff like larger firms, Aurora ensures its clients work directly with seasoned professionals with the experience to anticipate reactions and navigate complex issues precisely. Aurora’s team includes former elected officials, government advisors, and media specialists, all of whom bring invaluable insight into crafting messages that resonate. This expertise is key to helping clients avoid costly mistakes and ensuring their communications yield successful outcomes. Turning Challenges into Opportunities Government engagement is a significant pain point for many clients. Bureaucracy can feel like a maze, with complexity and unpredictability that make it difficult for outsiders to navigate. Aurora’s experience in this area allows them to guide clients through the process, connecting them with the right decision-makers and ensuring their voices are heard.
CXO INSIGHTS
Navigating the Growing Threat of Phishing: A Comprehensive Overview of Modern Tactics and Protection Strategies
Kent English, Director of Communication & Information Systems, Doña Ana County
Pinellas Park's Civic Blueprint for Teen Empowerment
Jillian Rose, Community Engagement Program Manager, City of Pinellas Park
Data is Crucial for Emerging Aviation Technologies
James Grimsley, Executive Director - Advanced Technology Initiatives, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and Lisa Ellman, Chief Executive Officer, Commercial Drone Alliance
Building a Government That Works for Everyone
Scot Barker, Chief Innovation Officer, City of Burlington
Risk Management in the Face of Legal Challenges
Alvaro Valdez, Assistant Management Services Director - Risk Management & Safety, City of Burbank
Building Impactful Teams through Leadership, Innovation and Empowerment
Stephen Dyer, Director of Information Technology, The City of Coral Springs
Advancing Public Safety through Training and Collaboration
Stacey Lea Flanagan, Director of Health and Human Services, City of Jersey City
Leadership, Community, and Evolving Police Practices
Hans Lehman, Assistant Chief of Police, City of Lakeland
Technical Debt: How to Balance Technical Debt and New Projects
Jeff Scheetz, Chief Information Officer, The City of Avondale, AZ
IN FOCUS
Strategic Alignment as the New Standard for Canadian Corporate Responsibility
The evolving concept of Corporate Citizenship in Canada emphasizes integrating sustainability, public policy, and community engagement to build trust and achieve long-term success.
Navigating the New Paradigm of Canadian Public Affairs
The Canadian public affairs articulates not only what they want from government, but why it matters—not just for their own interests, but for the broader community or the national interest.
EDITORIAL
The Year Compliance Redefined Canadian Public Affairs
The Canadian market for public affairs services in 2025 has been shaped by stricter transparency rules, a decisive move to digital engagement, and growing policy complexity across federal and provincial arenas. As the year ends, firms are managing the impact of midyear regulatory changes while preparing for 2026, when lower federal lobbying thresholds will broaden who must register and report. Even with this disruption, the sector’s revenue base remains durable, supported by integrated communications, data driven advocacy, and global PR trends influencing Canadian demand. This year’s major shift was the federal reinterpretation, reducing the in-house lobbying trigger from 32 hours per month to 8 hours in any rolling four-week period. Paired with updated guidance on former office holders, the changes aim to expand transparency and capture previously unregistered activity. They land amid high expectations for accountability and trust, with Canada outperforming OECD peers while navigating complex, long-term policy files. Compliance has moved from a back office chore to a frontline differentiator. Heading into 2026, firms are standardizing time tracking, training client teams, and tightening alignment between registrable activity and more granular reporting, particularly for charities, associations, and corporations newly in scope. Strategically, organizations are doubling down on issues monitoring, stakeholder mapping, and AI-driven insights to navigate cross-jurisdictional agendas and meet rising expectations for transparency and evidence-based engagement. Competitive advantage now depends on uniting disciplined compliance with digitally fluent advocacy in a rules-tightening environment. In this edition, we feature perspectives from influential industry leaders on the year’s challenges and opportunities, including Hans Lehman, Assistant Chief of Police, City of Lakeland, and Stacey Lea Flanagan, Director of Health & Human Services at The City of Jersey City. We hope their opinions help you make more confident and data driven decisions.
