The Public Affairs Association of Canada is pleased to announce that Paul Pellegrini, Founder and Executive Counsel of Sussex Strategy Group, is the recipient of PAAC’s 2026 Award of Distinction.
Since 2001, PAAC has presented the Award of Distinction to a member of Canada’s public affairs community who has made a significant contribution to the profession over the course of their career.
This year, we are proud to recognize more than three decades of Paul’s leadership, service and contribution to public affairs in Canada.
As the founder of Sussex Strategy Group, Paul has built a career at the intersection of government, public policy, communications and stakeholder relations. Over more than 30 years in government relations and public affairs, he has advised clients across sectors including health care, life sciences, infrastructure and transportation, while helping organizations navigate complex issues and government decision-making at all levels.
Prior to founding Sussex, Paul served as an advisor to cabinet ministers at both Queen’s Park and on Parliament Hill, where he developed expertise in crisis communications, stakeholder relations and issues management. He has continued to contribute to the broader community through extensive volunteer and board service, including leadership roles with the Columbus Centre of Toronto, Reach for the Rainbow and the Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
Paul’s career reflects many of the qualities that define the Award of Distinction: professionalism, integrity, clear and persuasive communication, leadership, innovation and a sustained commitment to the public affairs profession.
Join us in celebrating Paul
Paul will be honoured during the PAAC Annual Conference on November 24 in Toronto.
We invite members of PAAC to nominate an individual, or individuals, for this award for 2027, more details to follow.
Nominate a leader in Public Affairs today! Since 2001, PAAC has presented the Award of Distinction to a member of the public affairs community who, over their career, has made a significant contribution to public affairs in Canada.
Qualifying Criteria:
Candidates must be Canadian residents, or represent Canada elsewhere in the world. While a body of work spanning several years will be considered, candidates must have been actively engaged in public affairs in the year they are nominated, please include letter of support/testimonial for the nominee.
Evaluation Criteria:
Nominations must include:
Please send nominations, including letter of support/testimonial for the nominee to Lois Marsh, Managing Director, Public Affairs Association of Canada, at lois@publicaffairs.ca .
Past Recipients of the PAAC Award of Distinction:
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