Issues management
You’re in it.
We’re on it.
Not a crisis. Yet.
Most of the time, when people call us, something’s already brewing. There’s pressure from stakeholders, tension inside the organization — maybe even a media request or two. It’s sensitive. It’s complicated. And it’s not going away on its own.
That’s where we come in. We help you respond calmly, strategically and with your credibility intact.
No spin. No panic. Just clear thinking, well-timed action and support that takes a load off when it’s getting heavy.
Service breakdown
Every issue is different. Here’s how we help you stay ahead of it:
Issue identification
Spot early signs of friction before they turn into something bigger.
Risk analysis
Understand what’s at stake, who’s watching and what could go wrong.
Stakeholder insight
Map out who is affected, who’ll be vocal and who needs to be brought in.
Message development
Say the right thing with clarity, empathy and purpose.
Media holding statements
Be ready before the call comes in.
Media training
Get your spokeperson prepared.
Internal communication
Keep your people informed, aligned and supported.
Executive guidance
Help your leaders show up — calm, clear and credible.
Back-pocket Q&As
Equip spokespeople and frontline staff with the words they need.
Council/board support
Craft briefings and scripts for the people in the hot seat.
Decision-making support
Help weigh the reputational risks and scenarios in real time.
Investor relations
Frame the story behind the numbers or respond to activist investors.
Highlights
Most of our issues and crisis work is confidential, but here’s a flavour of how we’ve helped clients protect their reputations and navigate tough terrain:
CEO dismissal
Supported a post-secondary institution through the dismissal of its most senior executive.
Harassment allegations
Helped a sport organization respond to harassment allegations involving a coach.
He said/she said
Advised an elected official caught in a high-profile media firestorm.
Touchy and political
Guided town administration through ongoing issues tied to a disruptive elected councillor.
Whistleblower complaint
Supported a board responding to internal harassment accusations involving its CEO.
Criminal charges
Helped a family destination manage communications during a police investigation into a former employee.
FAQ
What is issues management in public relations?
Issues management is about identifying and addressing reputational risks before they become crises. It’s the calm, strategic work that happens behind the scenes to protect your credibility and relationships.
How is issues management different from crisis communication?
An issue is a warning. A crisis is the fire. Issues management is your chance to prevent escalation, shape the story and avoid headlines.
What kinds of issues do you handle?
If it’s sensitive, we’ve probably seen it.
We’ve supported clients through workplace investigations, misconduct allegations, internal leadership conflict and reputational fallout. We’ve helped manage tensions with elected officials, resignations at the top and situations involving public safety and trust.
And of course, we handle the usual corporate issues – employee concerns, stakeholder pressure, and the moments where something just doesn’t feel right and you need help figuring out what to say, how to say it and when to step in.
When should we call you?
Sooner than you think. The earlier we’re brought in, the more options we have — and the better the outcome.
Do you work with legal and HR teams?
Yes. We regularly collaborate with legal, HR and internal teams to make sure messaging is clear, defensible and aligned across functions.
Do you offer issues management consulting outside Calgary?
Yes. We’re based in Calgary but work with clients across Alberta and beyond. Geography doesn’t slow us down.
Related links
Services
Crisis
management
Stakeholder engagement
Executive &
team training
Writing