Our Services - Cumberland Strategies

Relationships Matter...

Government Relations Expertise

Strategy Matters...

Comprehensive Public Affairs

The Message Matters...

Strategic Communications

Relationships Matter

Strategic Government Relations – If your business is regulated by government, or if government is getting in your way, your relationship (or lack thereof) with that government will determine your business outcomes. Whether it’s Federal, Provincial, Municipal or First Nations government relations, Canada’s network of governments can create unique challenges and opportunities for our clients. Different jurisdictions and competing political agendas add to that complexity. Wherever your issue may land, Cumberland Strategies is uniquely positioned to help. We are proud to have a track record of success working with all levels of government across the country.

We absorb your issues and understand how to present them to governments in a way that gets attention. We’ve been on the other side; in government and opposition and we understand what it takes to drive a policy change or regulation advancement.
We work with you to understand how we can help your business or non-profit be seen and heard in a cacophony of competing interests.
Our team of government experts, media relations and public relations veterans work collaboratively to understand your issues and get your voices heard

Municipal: Cumberland Strategies has successfully represented numerous clients at the municipal level across Canada. Our Municipal experience includes extensive work on land development, municipal licensing, tax policy and procurement.

Provincial: Cumberland Strategies has decades of experience and a proven track record of success at the provincial level across the country. Our consultants have worked at the most senior levels of provincial government from British Columbia to Newfoundland, advising Premiers, Ministers and elected officials, giving our team a unique view on government decision making and processes.

Federal: Cumberland Strategies consultants have delivered successful outcomes for clients in Ottawa for years. As seasoned veterans of federal politics the Cumberland team provides unprecedented insights into the federal government and its key players.

First Nations: Cumberland Strategies is the only Canadian Par Certified government relations firm in Canada, as recognized by the Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business (CCBA). Cumberland has a proven track record of success in representing the unique needs of First Nations communities, governments and organizations. Cumberland understands the challenges faced by First Nations communities and organizations who wish to operate a robust government relations practice.

Strategy Matters

Comprehensive Public Affairs Campaigns – Managing stakeholders and generating buy-in from these groups requires public affairs campaigns rooted in sound strategic principles. We specialize in building tactical plans that develop positive relationships with elected officials, civil servants, shareholders, trade associations, think tanks, business groups, NGOs, not-for-profits and the media. Whether it is building coalitions or implementing digital advocacy campaigns, Cumberland delivers results.

The Message Matters

Impactful Communications – Clarity of message is critical to any communications strategy – simple, succinct and emotive. Cumberland Strategies’ communications team has extensive public relations experience representing corporate clients from a variety of sectors. Whether it is managing media campaigns, crisis communications or integrated digital marketing the Cumberland team has the experience to deliver results.

Our Corporate Communications experts provide strategic advice and execution for clients dealing with the media, employees, regulators, local governments, communities, NGOs and labor unions, often under public scrutiny. Our team has extensive experience in a variety of sectors including film & entertainment, healthcare, energy, agriculture, financial services, not-for-profit, and mining.

Our Media Relations consultants bring a unique understanding of the media and issues management. From traditional media outreach to targeted social media campaigns, using a variety of digital platforms our plans deliver results. Whether it is a crisis or a practical stakeholder communications initiative, Cumberland Strategies will customize a plan for you that drives results.

Testimonials

“Cumberland helped us navigate a complex political environment at a particularly challenging time during the COVID-19 pandemic. The team was quick to understand the challenges we faced and they worked with us to overcome them.”

Brian Sullivan, CEO, Conuma Resources

“Cumberland has an in-depth understanding of the Environmental Assessment process that is second to none. Their ongoing advice and tenacity ensured that we sailed through this process with limited risk to our organization. I wouldn’t hesitate to engage them again if needed.”

Todd Moser, CEO, Terrapure Environmental

“As a Tech entrepreneur, is was a pleasure working with a GR firm that understood the space. Cumberland is my goto firm for getting things done in government.”

Scott Monteith, CEO, Monteco

“We have very much enjoyed our working relationship with Cumberland over the last four years. Their approach fits our unique needs and regularly generates key results for our organization.”

Tracy Antone, Chief Operating Officer, Chiefs of Ontario

“Cumberland gets things done. Their grasp of the issues in the renewables space is second to none. It was a pleasure working with them.”

Global Renewable Fuels Alliance

“I have worked closely with Cumberland for years. They have a depth of knowledge that is refreshing and a determination to get things done that is essential in this business. It has been a pleasure to work with them over the past several years.”

Bob Dinneen, Past President, RFA

“Jon Telch and Cumberland have always demonstrated a high degree of respect and understanding of our unique challenges in Akwesasne. Jon’s knowledge of Akwesasne assisted him in finding a venue and action plan to address our needs. I applaud him for his commitment to supporting First Nations communities.”

Grand Chief Abram Benedict, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne

“Cumberland Strategies have a deep understanding of the unique needs of the clean tech industry. They have worked with us to ensure the Government of Canada understands the unique space we occupy at the intersection of clean tech, small to medium size business, and as a player on the international solar stage. With their support, we have been able to not only survive the challenges brought on by the pandemic, but thrive."

Michael Yan, Co Founder & Chief Technology Officer, Heliolytics

"Jon (Telch) and the Cumberland Team have been integral to our success in Canada. Through their continued guidance, friendship and strategic insights, we have been able to grow our business across borders and begun work on our Canadian HQ. The Cumberland team have uniquely ingrained themselves in what we do and we look forward to growing our presence with them across Canada"

John Thomson, Founder & CEO, Payit