Strengthening Our Leadership Team
At PAA Advisory | Conseils, delivering on our commitment to our clients has always been about depth. For us that has meant bringing together experience and expertise in managing public policy, dynamic public issues, as well as complex corporate and political campaigns. Another key ingredient has been sectoral expertise.
As we have grown, we have been able to attract a number of talented leaders who combine a deep understanding of specific sectors and jurisdictions with the capacity to help clients in those areas navigate the issues, audiences and politics specific to their businesses. In recognition of the important role that these people play in helping our firm deliver on our commitment to our clients, PAA is pleased to announce the following appointments:
Marie Lemieux, Director, International Trade Sector Lead: In addition to serving as a trusted advisor to some of Canada’s leading organizations across multiple industries, Marie Lemieux has been a key builder in PAA’s growing trade capability. Her work in this area involves advocacy around trade negotiations, supporting clients engaged in trade disputes and tariff relief applications, and ongoing engagement on behalf of clients impacted by Canada-US trade tensions.
Kate Mah, Director, Agriculture & Agribusiness Sector Lead: Over the last five years, Kate Mah has played a crucial role in PAA’s emergence as a leading advisor to clients in the Energy and Environment field, supporting them in navigating complex policy and regulatory issues and securing funding opportunities. In recent years, she has taken on leadership of the firm’s work in helping important organizations in the agriculture and agri-business field to navigate Canada’s changing public policy landscape.
Rachel McLaughlin, Director, Financial Services & Technology Sector Lead: Over the past six years, Rachel McLaughlin has been advising some of the world’s most recognizable brands in the Financial Services and Technology sectors on the policy, legislative and regulatory issues that impact their businesses. She has been at the intersection of the public policy issues affecting both industries during a period of enormous change, equipping her with first-hand knowledge of the issues, politics and personalities influencing how government is approaching policy in this area.
Emilie Simard, Director, Public Affairs (Quebec): Emilie joined PAA following a few years on Parliament Hill in Ottawa and at the Mational Assembly in Quebec City working with senior Cabinet Ministers. Most recently, she worked with the national NGO, Avocats sans frontières Canada while she remained a member of the Quebec Bar. During her time at PAA, Emilie has used this experience and her leadership skills to support clients on complex files in the areas of retail, technology and natural resources helping them navigate local dynamics with the provincial and municipal governments in Quebec.
Stephen Yardy, Director, Natural Resources Sector Lead: Stephen Yardy joined PAA Advisory | Conseils with a distinguished track-record as a campaigner and political advisor and quickly put those skills to work on behalf of some of the world’s leading natural resource companies. As an advisor to the forest products and the mining sectors, Stephen has delivered important wins at the federal, provincial and municipal levels on issues including permitting, funding, taxation, foreign investment approval processes and infrastructure.
This group of leaders bring depth and expertise, alongside a level personal commitment to client success that makes all the difference. We are so fortunate to be able to have them on the PAA team.