SECTORS
Specializing in key sectors, we are experts in navigating challenges and seizing opportunities in environment, energy, healthcare, and beyond. Our focus includes sustainability, renewable energy, health care advancements, research, improved access to care, and much more.
Energy is the pillar of our economy and is undergoing the largest transformation we’ve seen in generations. Commercial opportunities are plentiful, but companies must navigate diverse market structures, global supply chains and technological innovations that introduce new risks for their investment dollars.
Our team of energy experts knows your business and what you need to grow. We understand local market conditions and can advise you on risks and opportunities at the federal, provincial and municipal levels. We specialize in navigating a complex and rapidly changing political environment to remove risk and create commercial opportunities in the energy sector to achieve your company’s financial and ESG goals.
Capabilities
Policy Changemakers
In Canada, energy is inherently political. Whether related to climate policies, carbon pricing, market structures, tax incentives or customer rate policies, government decisions here have enormous impacts on commercial viability. Understanding, managing and influencing these policies can be make-or-break to your success. That’s why we engage early and often at all levels of government, to identify early political direction and provide timely, strategic advice to secure policy decisions that align with your objectives.
Project Revenue Acquisition
As with any commercial endeavor, there will be no investment without sufficient revenue forecasts. Whether we are talking about rate regulated assets, private Commercial and Industrial (C&I) contracts, competitive Requests for Proposals, bilateral contracts or other offtake structures, our team can advise on how to close the deal. Complementary tools, such as grants, loans, or tax incentives, can also be combined to maximize profitability and lower risk.
Strategic Commercial Advice & Networks
With experience in both the public and private sectors, our energy team has the political and commercial expertise to guide your company to success. We have acted as advisors on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), project risk assessments, market-entry, municipal and indigenous partnerships and other commercial arrangements to ensure informed, profitable decision-making.
Sussex was the first public affairs firm in Canada to establish a dedicated Environment Practice Group, and we pride ourselves on our continued leadership in this space. Our business is based on helping clients identify, understand, and impact environment and climate policy, legislation, and regulation as it relates to the circular economy, carbon pricing, permitting & approvals, cleantech, chemicals management, energy efficiency, and more.
We consistently monitor government announcements, parliamentary proceedings, international forums, regulatory bodies, the media, and other influencers to keep our finger on the pulse of environmental and sustainability issues and use this to create and execute informed, impactful, and persuasive government relations campaigns. Clients can be confident we have the required knowledge to identify potential risks and opportunities and can provide strategic advice and guidance as it pertains to the environmental landscape in Ontario and across Canada.
Capabilities
Circular Economy, Plastics & Resource Recovery
Our team has been involved in Canada’s evolving circular economy landscape for over two decades. We identify, track, and provide strategic advice to clients regarding government proposals for extended producer responsibility programs, plastic waste reduction initiatives, food and organic waste policies, commercial and construction waste, and landfill management. We create and execute compelling advocacy campaigns to ensure the circular economy regulatory climate is aligned with corporate sustainability commitments and market realities in support of a healthier environment with less waste.
Decarbonization
We help clients as they navigate the dynamic landscape of government-mandated carbon pricing programs, net-zero initiatives, and climate change policies across Canada. Helping clients to identify opportunities and avoid potential risks, Sussex monitors, researches, and analyzes governments programs, funding opportunities, and regulatory instruments that incentivize economy-wide decarbonization through the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies and fuels, nature-based solutions, offset projects, and energy efficiency. Our team creates evidence-based advocacy campaigns that are rooted in a sophisticated understanding of the complex climate action ecosystem.
Permitting & Approvals
Sussex helps clients work through necessary environmental review and approval processes in an efficient manner, minimizing the likelihood of significant project delays. Our team has helped numerous clients navigate – and expedite where possible – various environmental approvals while ensuring that the proper level of rigour and due diligence around environmental protection is maintained.
Chemicals Management
Working within Canada’s chemicals management framework, our team works with clients throughout the risk assessment and risk management processes. Advocacy campaigns and key messages are designed to ensure regulatory instruments as well as mandatory and voluntary policies governing the use of chemical substances are grounded in science, minimize negative socio-economic impacts, and protect human health and the environment.
In the ever-evolving landscape of health care, Sussex helps our clients navigate the dynamic interplay between their organizational objectives and the rapidly changing policy environment.
Drawing upon our extensive expertise and nuanced understanding of government and health care, we help you navigate through the complexities of this industry, offering solutions and strategic insights. From advancements in medical technology, the critical realm of mental health, the new age of digital health, hospital, and long-term care and more, we are ready to support you in the diverse spectrum of the health care ecosystem.
We are at the forefront of innovation, pioneering solutions, and actively shaping the future of health care. As your trusted thought partners, we ensure our clients not only adapt but thrive within this dynamic environment.
Capabilities
Strategy & Positioning
Our team excels at navigating at the intersection of health care and governance, crafting effective strategies to shape policies for optimal outcomes. We forge meaningful partnerships between health care clients and government, prioritizing short, medium, and long-term objectives to ensure your goals remain the focal point of our collaboration.
Government Engagement
We specialize in cultivating relationships and fostering collaboration between our clients and government bodies. Our strategic approach not only ensures effective communication with decision-makers but also aligns with your health care objectives, paving the way for meaningful partnerships and impactful policy changes that prioritize patient-centric solutions.
Policy Development
We serve as your vigilant eyes and ears, tracking key health care-related policies, regulations, and legislation that directly impact our stakeholders. Our comprehensive approach not only keeps you informed but strategically positions to navigate the intricacies of policy.
Stakeholder Partnerships
Our expertise lies in identifying and mapping relevant stakeholders across government, industry, and public spheres relevant to the health care sector. Together, we'll establish clear next steps for ongoing dialogue and partnerships, ensuring your objectives are not just met, but exceeded in this dynamic and ever-changing sector.
Regulatory Affairs & Advocacy
Our team specializes in crafting the precise approach and strategies needed to navigate regulatory affairs seamlessly. With strategic insights and a relationship building approach, our team ensures your outreach efforts are precisely targeted and highly effective to reach your desired goals. From formulating precise 'asks' to orchestrating influential meetings with policymakers, we ensure your regulatory concerns within the health care sector are effectively addressed.
We are unwaveringly dedicated to cultivating robust relationships with Indigenous Peoples and communities throughout Canada. Our proficiency in Indigenous relations is founded on a sincere comprehension of the intricate issues and multifaceted challenges inherent in this domain.
Indigenous Peoples—First Nations, Métis, and Inuit—are not merely a part of Canada's historical and cultural fabric but are integral contributors to its economic progress, playing an indispensable role in shaping the nation's trajectory. Recognizing the profound responsibility businesses bear when operating within the traditional lands of Indigenous communities, we transcend the role of mere intermediaries; we are steadfast collaborators, allies, and advocates.
Our commitment extends beyond transactional engagements; we are devoted to establishing enduring bonds and fostering trust across diverse sectors. Our mission is to facilitate and fortify the foundations of trust, ensuring seamless collaboration and fostering economic opportunities that pave the way for a more prosperous future for all.
Capabilities
Community Outreach & Consultation
With a specialized focus on Indigenous consultation and community outreach, we excel in fostering Indigenous relations. Prioritizing engagement, we facilitate meaningful dialogue to strengthen ties with Indigenous communities, ensuring a collaborative and inclusive approach to our initiatives.
Policy Advocacy & Legislative Support
Our specialization in policy advocacy and legislative support extends to a notable proficiency in matters involving or concerning Indigenous Peoples. Through nuanced understanding and tailored approaches, we navigate complex issues to ensure inclusive and impactful representation, addressing the unique concerns and needs of Indigenous communities.
Capacity Building & Training Programs
Empowered with the capacity to build and enhance capabilities, we specialize in the development and implementation of training programs tailored to support and empower Indigenous communities. This targeted approach is necessary for the sustainable development of project initiatives.
Impact Assessments
Our expertise extends to environmental assessment and social impact processes, with a particular emphasis on integrating and respecting Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge and perspectives. This ensures a comprehensive and culturally sensitive approach, contributing to sustainable and mutually beneficial outcomes.
Conflict Resolution & Mediation
Demonstrating proficiency in conflict resolution management, we navigate intricacies involving Indigenous groups and stakeholders with expertise. Our nuanced approach ensures effective dialogue and consensus-building, fostering collaborative solutions and sustainable relationships.
Economic Reconciliation
We excel in fostering Indigenous economic reconciliation initiatives by forging robust and effective partnerships across diverse sectors. Our capability lies in building strong collaborations that empower Indigenous communities and drive sustainable economic growth.
The natural resources and mining sectors form the backbone of Canada's global economic presence, encompassing everything from forestry to fisheries, minerals to energy sources. Navigating the multifaceted challenges of sustainable development, policy regulations, community engagement, and global market dynamics necessitates a nuanced approach and deep industry understanding.
We craft strategies that blend sustainable utilization with economic growth, cultivating opportunities and mitigating risks while ensuring compliance with ever-evolving regulations. Also tailoring to the specificities of Canada’s mineral exploration and extraction landscape. Our approach emphasizes meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities and local stakeholders, actionable market insights, and comprehensive case-by-case assessments.
Our team carries unparalleled expertise in international trade and investment, market entry strategies, infrastructure, and economic development. With industrial policy gaining prominence, the rise of ‘friendshoring,’ and governments and companies alike looking to de-risk their supply chains, organizations are facing a more complex environment where adept government relations services are needed more than ever.
Leveraging our extensive experience, we guide stakeholders through emerging and complex regulatory terrains, help to safeguard and advance their interests, and explore new commercial opportunities, both federally and provincially. Our services are based on helping clients better understand the evolving Canadian policy environment and to support them in shaping appropriate policy, programs, legislation, and regulations.
We provide invaluable guidance between policy imperatives, funding opportunities, market dynamics, and stakeholder objectives, championing our clients' success throughout Canada and beyond.
We propel urban development into the future, through the cohesion of infrastructure, land-use, and strategic growth. Leveraging an intricate grasp of infrastructure requirements and spatial interplay, we provide insights focused on sustainable expansion and comprehensive land-use tactics.
Skillfully navigating the regulatory maze, we position our clients towards current governmental priorities, like affordable housing and supporting the creation of complete communities.
Our services encompass everything from land-use planning guidance, community engagement plans, permitting approvals and procurement bids. Our capabilities extend to counteracting NIMBY (not in my backyard) sentiments with tactical communication campaigns and grassroots initiatives, to drive projects that might otherwise face roadblocks. Collaborating with real estate developers, our diverse portfolio spans mixed-use, commercial, industrial, and residential properties.
When it comes to infrastructure, we foster connections between the government and our clients, we catalyze public-private partnerships, scout bid opportunities, and underpin client investment ventures. We don't just map out infrastructure and development goals, we help make them a reality, ensuring our clients are at the forefront of redefining the blueprint for the future.
We are experts in supporting our diverse clients in navigating Canada's dynamic mining sector. With expertise spanning regulatory compliance, stakeholder engagement, energy policy and planning, Indigenous partnerships and engagement, environmental stewardship, and innovation in all mineral categories, including base and precious metals and critical minerals, we work with mining enterprises to thrive sustainably.
Through strategic insights, proactive advocacy engagement, and sustainable approaches, Sussex empowers Canada's mining sector to lead globally in responsible and ethical practices. Together, we navigate complexities, seize opportunities, and ensure sustainable growth for the future.
Capabilities
Regulatory Support
Sussex navigates federal and provincial regulatory frameworks with precision, providing streamlined compliance solutions. Our deep policy analysis and strategic guidance empower informed decision-making, ensuring regulatory adherence is crucial for sustainable mining operations.
Stakeholder Engagement
We foster trust and collaboration with investors, communities, and the public. Our approach prioritizes meaningful dialogue and partnership with Indigenous groups, ensuring their perspectives are integrated into the process, helping to secure social licence and operational support, and paving the way for sustainable and mutually beneficial outcomes.
Indigenous Collaboration
Fostering meaningful collaboration with Indigenous communities is an absolute requirement. Working with communities and their governments is paramount to any modern natural resources project to ensure community support.
Environmental Permits & Approvals
Our expertise in permitting processes ensures environmental responsibility throughout operations. Sussex champions innovative practices that minimize environmental impact and boost productivity, including advancements in critical and EV battery minerals. We provide strategic guidance to navigate regulatory landscapes and establish sustainable supply chains.
Strategic Economic Development
Sussex supports economic growth in the mining sector through strategic policy support and midstream processing expertise. We drive initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, contributing to the sustainable development and competitiveness of Canada's mining industry.