FIPRA Network
Success in public affairs is about providing clear lines of sight and a strong challenge function: Andre Albinati
Key to transitioning a boutique public affairs firm to a larger, independent company has been to maintain core strengths of building team-based advisory services while modernizing, says Andre Albinati, Principal at Earnscliffe Strategies / FIPRA Canada.
Growing up on a cattle farm in Northern Alberta, Andre Albinati is someone who believes in the importance of innovation from the farm gate through to the consumer table.
With over 20 years of public policy and private sector experience, Andre’s specialties include advising research-based organizations, patient groups, biotechnology and pharma industry associations on issues as diverse as intellectual property, CUSMA and trade disputes, innovation and science policy.
Prior to joining Earnscliffe in 2002, Andre worked on portfolios such as international cooperation and development, social and skills policy as well as international trade. He is currently an advisor to the Board of the Canadian Science Policy Centre, is former president of the Government Relations Institute of Canada and a Top 100 Lobbyist.
Also serving as a member of the FIPRA Network Advisory Board, Andre shares with us his holistic approach to public affairs, both in Canada and globally.
Tell us about your origin story
Andre: I love public policy and the intersection of political and evidence-based decision making. I joined Earnscliffe over 18 years ago and it was a moment in which I chose moving into the private sector rather than continuing to work in government within the Trade ministry. I’ve never looked back.
I’ve had the opportunity to support an incoming Prime Minister on industrial and innovation policy, work with CEOs of exciting global multinationals, and assist not-for-profit research-based organizations and Post-Secondary institutions to set priorities and problem solve.
In this time, we have also worked to transition our firm from the original founders to the next generations of owners. Transitioning an historic, but small boutique niche firm to a larger independent, national company with new service lines has been an exciting exercise.
Key to our approach has been to maintain our core strengths of building team-based advisory services, while modernizing and adapting to new policy approaches and opportunities.
Key to our approach has been to maintain our core strengths of building team-based advisory services, while modernizing and adapting to new policy approaches and opportunities.
– Andre Albinati, Principal, Earnscliffe Strategy Group / FIPRA Canada
Most memorable career highlights
Andre: Without a doubt, the opportunity to work with some of the smartest people across Canada and around the world through FIPRA has provided a rewarding and fulfilling career filled with successes.
Success in public affairs advisory services is about providing clear lines of sight, a strong challenge function, and a clear understanding of the public affairs environment in which our clients operate.
Whether working with not-for-profit health coalitions to bring in Canadian genetic fairness legislation to supporting multinational supply-chain and logistics companies drive cross-border Canada-United States trade flow this work has been exciting, diverse and challenging!
Distinct characteristics about public affairs in your region
Andre: Canada is a small, but outward-looking country. We are global traders. Canada has 14 trade agreements to 51 countries with nearly 1.5 billion consumers and a combined GDP of US$49.3 trillion.
From an investment perspective, Canada is the most educated workforce in the world with nearly 58% of Canadians aged 25–64 having graduated from post-secondary institutions. Canada has the lowest tax rate on new business investment in the G7. The Canadian METR now stands at 13.7 per cent, which is the lowest in the G7 and below the OECD average.
Our multicultural society gives us a pre-existing global outlook that is increasingly reflected within our company through our JEDI initiative and through our participation with the FIPRA Network. Global access with local expertise reflects our own approach domestically.
I have found the work as a member of the FIPRA Network Advisory Board exciting, and ever more relevant. Taking our localized team approach to a global level has added the business value to our clients, but also has been worthwhile on a personal level as our firm now has direct access to a global intelligence network of the smartest people in the public affairs space!
– Andre Albinati, Principal, Earnscliffe Strategy Group / FIPRA Canada
What does the FIPRA Network represent to you?
Andre: The value of the FIPRA Network to Earnscliffe as well as to our clients has only grown with the reinvigoration of the Network.
With global trade flow and supply challenges during Covid-19, access to a global network is more important to our client base than ever before. This global market access through trusted local experts is a unique service offering and has meaningful impact success for our clients.
I have found the work as a member of the FIPRA Network Advisory Board exciting, and ever more relevant. Taking our localized team approach to a global level has added the business value to our clients, but also has been worthwhile on a personal level as our firm now has direct access to a global intelligence network of the smartest people in the public affairs space!
(As told to Rahul Venkit)
