More Ex-Ford Government Staffers Hired By Private Care Home Companies
TORONTO — There are now five former Ford government staffers working as lobbyists or publicists with for-profit long-term care providers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brayden Akers registered to lobby his former employer, the Ontario government, on behalf of Sienna Senior Living Inc. on June 1. The company has hired Navigator, where Akers works as a consultant, to represent them. Navigator describes itself as “Canada’s leading high stakes public strategy and communications firm.”
Akers previously worked as director of communications to Greg Rickford, Ontario’s minister of northern development, energy, mines and Indigenous affairs, according to a biography posted on Navigator’s website.
Navigator said in May 2019 that it hired Akers directly from Rickford’s office.
The Ontario NDP previously revealed that four other Progressive Conservative (PC) insiders, including three of the current government’s former staff, are lobbying for long-term care companies.
“This is nothing short of absolutely scandalous,” NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said at the time.
A spokesperson for Navigator said the company does not discuss its work with clients.
Sienna responded to HuffPost Canada’s questions with a brief statement.
“We can confirm that we hire consultants in all areas of our business,” spokesperson Natalie Gokchenian said.
This is nothing short of absolutely scandalous.Andrea Horwath
Former PC staffers are also doing public relations work for long-term care companies.
Jessica Trepanier, Minister Caroline Mulroney’s former press secretary, confirmed to HuffPost Friday that she is working on behalf of Southbridge Care Homes. She is an account manager for reputation and crisis management firm Smithcom, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Neither Trepanier nor Southbridge responded to requests for comment.
A spokesperson for the premier forwarded questions to a spokesperson for Minister of Long-Term Care Merrilee Fullerton.
HuffPost asked how the government...
