Strategic counsel for the digital economy.
We partner with purpose-driven organizations, technology leaders, and SME-focused innovators to navigate Canada's dynamic public policy landscape. Our expertise in strategy, public affairs and stakeholder engagement positions us as your trusted ally in advancing influence, shaping dialogue, and delivering impactful public affairs strategies.
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Who We Are
Paisley Public Affairs is a boutique Canadian consultancy specializing in strategic communications, government relations, and stakeholder engagement for the technology, business, finance, and innovation sectors.
Our firm believes that effective public affairs is about more than access—it’s about understanding. We bring clarity to complexity, translating policy into action, and connecting clients with the right people, platforms, and conversations to move ideas forward.
Whether you're entering a new market, scaling a digital product, influencing regulatory change, or elevating your public voice, we provide the insight and execution to support your growth in Canada and beyond.
What We Do
At Paisley Public Affairs, we offer a comprehensive suite of public affairs services tailored to the unique needs of technology-driven businesses and SMEs. Our expertise includes strategic advocacy, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance.
Policy Intelligence & Prioritization
We monitor legislative and regulatory trends across federal and provincial jurisdictions, helping clients identify and prioritize policy levers with the greatest business and social impact. Our impact mapping framework ensures every advocacy effort is focused, timely, and aligned with your strategic goals.
Strategic Positioning & Thought Leadership
From white papers to executive briefs and public submissions, we help organizations articulate their policy vision and market leadership. We specialize in translating complex issues—like AI governance, sustainable finance, or SME digital adoption—into clear, compelling language for decision-makers.
Stakeholder Engagement & Government Relations
We build meaningful relationships between our clients and the public sector. Through briefings, roundtables, and one-on-one engagement, we ensure your organization is seen as a trusted voice in innovation, technology, and economic development.
Campaign Execution & Tactical Strategy
We don’t just offer advice—we help implement it. We plan, manage, and measure advocacy and public affairs campaigns around critical policy moments, regulatory opportunities, and emerging public discourse.
Focus Areas
Technology
Our expertise in technology enables us to address the unique public affairs challenges faced by tech companies, from regulatory compliance to industry advocacy, ensuring their voices are heard and their interests are protected.
SME Landscape
We know and love small and medium sized enterprises across Canada. We understand their unique needs and drivers and we translate this for clients who are looking to engage with the backbone of the Canadian economy.
Government Relations
Navigating government relations is vital for businesses. We offer strategic counsel and representation to help our clients effectively engage with government entities and shape policies that impact their operations.
Our Ethos
Independent
We are nimble, responsive, and designed for deep client focus. Our boutique model enables us to act quickly, make bold decisions, and deliver hands-on attention from senior leaders.
Collaborative
We act as trusted collaborators offering true partnership with our clients and their extended teams. We believe the best public affairs work is co-created and community-informed.
Insightful
We go beyond surface trends. Our approach integrates market insight, policy fluency, and stakeholder intelligence to uncover the right timing, message, and method for influence.
Future-Focused
From AI to open finance to sustainability, we specialize in fast-evolving files that demand strategy, flexibility, and foresight. We help clients build influence today—and credibility for tomorrow.
THE PAISLEY METHOD
Our Approach
At Paisley Public Affairs, we take a focused, values-driven approach to public affairs that combines strategy, storytelling, and stakeholder alignment. Our work is guided by four core principles:
Insight-Led: We ground every engagement in rigorous policy analysis, horizon scanning, and stakeholder mapping to ensure our strategies are rooted in real-world dynamics and emerging opportunities.
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Narrative-Driven: We believe effective advocacy starts with a strong message. Our team excels at crafting clear, compelling narratives that resonate with decision-makers, media, and community partners—whether in government, industry, or the grassroots.
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Relationship-Focused: From federal policymakers to regional innovation hubs and Indigenous business networks, we prioritize authentic relationship-building to ensure our clients are seen, heard, and trusted by the people who matter.
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Tailored & Tactical: No two markets—or moments—are the same. We build adaptable campaigns and integrated engagement strategies that reflect the nuance of Canada’s diverse policy and business landscape.
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Meet Our Principals
Discover how the professionals behind Paisley Public Affairs have made a difference for businesses through our work.
Lisa Foster
Partner, SME & Sustainability Lead
Lisa is a Toronto-based senior strategy professional with more than 25 years' national and global experience supporting clients with strategic communications and public affairs programs.
Whether it's helping clients launch an innovative new product, support policy, manage issues, or roll out an important initiative, Lisa is passionate about helping businesses -- particularly small and medium sized enterprises, to meet their full growth potential.
In addition to her role as principal at Paisley Public Affairs, she is also Co-founder & CEO of Goodwork Sustainability Inc., a global consultancy supporting SMEs on their sustainable business journeys.
lisa@paisleypublicaffairs.com
Eileen Foley
Partner, Technology Lead
Eileen is a senior communications and marketing leader with over 20 years of experience driving strategic storytelling and public affairs for global technology companies. She has worked with Adobe, Twitter, OpenText, and KPMG, where she developed and led campaigns that shaped brand reputation, influenced policy conversations, and supported business growth.
Known for her ability to translate complex technical topics into clear, compelling narratives, Eileen specializes in strategic communications, customer advocacy, and integrated campaigns. She brings a sharp public affairs perspective to clients at the intersection of innovation, regulation, and public trust. Based in Ottawa, she is a trusted advisor to companies navigating today’s dynamic tech and policy landscape.
Brands We've Worked With
