Brett James is one of three original owners of Sussex Strategy Group and now Senior Counsel to the firm. As a partner since 2000, Brett helped drive the growth of Sussex Strategy Group from five employees focused almost exclusively on Federal government relations, to a 30-person strong leading public affairs firm in Canada. He oversaw the expansion of the firm into Ontario provincial government relations and grew networks across the country. He drove the growth of the communications practice and led the successful acquisition of Adrenaline, establishing Sussex as a global leader in digital advocacy as evidenced by its multiple awards from public affairs and public relations organizations such as Campaigns and Elections (U.S.) and the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) and International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). In 2020 Sussex Adrenaline was named Best International Firm by Campaigns and Elections Magazine, beating over 50 firms from all over the world for the honour.
Brett has led the firm’s growth in Ottawa to become an industry leader in federal GR, with members of the team often appearing on lists of the most influential people in Ottawa.
Known for his sound judgement, and balanced perspectives, Brett has advised CEOs, executives, Boards of Directors, Cabinet Ministers, Premiers and leaders in nearly every sector of the business, not-for-profit and charitable worlds to manage their issues and public images in a way that protects and enhances their organizations’ reputations and advances their objectives.
Brett continues to support all areas of Sussex’s business being most active on issues management, crisis and corporate communications along with the Sussex Adrenaline Digital and Federal GR practices. He also continues to work with campaigns and candidates across the country to drive a small-c moderate conservative agenda bringing balance to important social issues and the need to maintain and grow Canada’s global business opportunities.
Based in Toronto, Brett loves to travel the country advising and supporting Sussex clients, and takes particular pride in his rural Ottawa Valley upbringing.