A local strategic communications firm is expanding to western Canada with a new office in British Columbia.
Syntax Strategic, which specializes in media relations, crisis communications, creative strategy and government advocacy, announced Monday that the company will be growing its “national footprint” with a new presence in Vancouver to be helmed by Michelle Johnston.
CEO Jennifer Stewart told OBJ that the company already works with clients across North America, but there’s a rising demand for government relations services in western Canada that she hopes Syntax can meet.
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“I always think big, as many people who know me know,” she said. “It was an opportunity not just to expand our services, but to have boots on the ground and provide services that we can pride ourselves on to our clients in Vancouver.”
The new office will be led by Johnston, Syntax’s vice-president, who joined the firm in June. In a press release this week, the company said Johnston is no stranger to “high-stakes communications,” having advised federal and provincial cabinet ministers and served as deputy director of communications for former prime minister Justin Trudeau.
As the federal government’s fall session gets underway, Stewart said companies across the country are looking for ways to get their proposals on the national stage. Johnston, she said, is well-positioned to lead that push.
“There are a lot of organizations in British Columbia that have a desire to communicate to and with the federal government and bring their issues forward, especially with a team that knows and understands the Ottawa dynamic,” she said. “We have an in-depth insight into how the federal government works and the priorities of the various ministers.”
Stewart said the move not only demonstrates the company’s commitment to western Canada, but also marks a major milestone.
“I’m not the type of person that typically sits back and reflects, but it’s been a great few months for the company,” she said. “It’s been a dream of mine to service clients nationally and I would love to expand across North America. And you know what? A team grows and expands and you bring on individuals who have their own expertise and insights — it’s like watching your baby go off to school. Syntax has become a really well-functioning company that can stand on its own two feet. It’s really, really exciting and fulfilling.”
