SWON Public Affairs is a boutique, non-partisan government relations firm that serves a diverse range of corporate and non-profit clients across Southwestern Ontario and beyond. With a deep understanding of the regional political landscape and an extensive network, SWON is adept at tailoring its services to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring effective advocacy and progress in complex government interactions.
Our firm believes in the transformative power of relationships and maintains close, collaborative partnerships with clients, stakeholders, and government officials. By leveraging our expertise in policy, legislation, and regulation, we provide strategic advice and support, enabling our clients to achieve their objectives with precision. SWON Public Affairs commits to being more than just a consultancy; we are dedicated partners in our clients' success, helping them navigate public affairs with confidence and clarity.
We help bridge the gap between business, three levels of government, and the media, so you get a seat at the table for the conversations that matter. As experienced Public Affairs professionals based in London, Ontario, we offer a wide range of strategic advice as well as direct lobbying services to clients across a wide range of business and non-profit industry sectors.
Our President and Founder, Kirsten Krose, has been involved in politics and communications work since 2008.
With a degree in Political Science and Economics from the University of New Brunswick, Kirsten has worked as a political staffer, campaign volunteer, bureaucrat, and most recently as a lobbyist and government relations consultant for a Toronto-based GR firm.
Kirsten has extensive first-hand experience of how government works. She has held positions.....
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July 10, 2025
President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on copper imports.
On July 8th, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on copper imports. This decision has triggered significant concerns throughout Canada, where copper is a key export to the U.S. The policy is expected to affect a wide range of industries, with impacts on construction and skilled trades.
Copper is an essential material used in electrical wiring plumbing, HVAC systems, and [...]
July 4, 2025
Federal government announced the elimination of all 53 federal exemptions.
On June 30th, 2025, the federal government announced the elimination of all 53 federal exemptions under the Canadian free trade agreement (CFTA). This was a move of a broader effort to improve internal trade across Canada, in hopes to create a more integrated national economy. The changes that were formalized through the One Canadian Economy Act, which all received Royal Assent on June 26, remove federal restrictions [...]
June 26, 2025
Canada Commits to NATO’s 5% Defence Investment Pledge.
Yesterday, PM Carney committed Canada to joining NATO’s new defence spending target, aiming to
reach 5% of GDP by 2035. This pledge will increase spending for Canada each year till then, making
this the largest increase since the Second World War. The members of NATO, except Spain as they
secured an exemption, all made an agreement to the new pledge at the annual leaders meeting in
The Hauge. NATO members, expect Spain have all agreed to then review the [...]