Edelman Canada has opened a new office in the nation’s capital, along with hiring three new staffers across its growing public affairs practice.

Edelman has been growing its public affairs practice since acquiring Toronto-based government and public relations firm Devon Group in July 2014.

Along with a physical presence in Ottawa, it also plans to offer public affairs capabilities nationally, out of all of its offices. “Ottawa’s very much a market of boutiques and we’re offering [work from] a full service international company,” says Bob Richardson, executive vice president and national practice lead for public affairs at Edelman Canada.

“We have a lot of global clients that could require services in a G8 country’s capital,” he adds, referring to Edelman’s global client base.

Darcy Walsh will take the role of SVP and general manager for the Ottawa office, which is opening with about four staff to start. Walsh takes the role after eight years with Hill + Knowlton Ottawa, where he was most recently national director of business development. While at H+K, he also built the procurement group, helping clients with government procurement opportunities. Previously, he also worked as director of parliamentary affairs in the Office of the Minister of Public Works.

Edelman has also brought on Courtney Glen as VP, public affairs in Toronto. Glen was most recently a senior consultant with StrategyCorp Inc. and was briefly deputy communciations director for Toronto’s mayor, John Tory. She has also held roles with communications firm Navigator and The Fraser Institute.

Paul Di Ianni has also been named account director, public affairs in Toronto. He was most recently external affairs officer with the Ontario College of Teachers and has held various roles within the Government of Ontario.

The Ottawa location is Edelman’s fifth in Canada, with its other offices in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver.

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