Compass Rose

Compass Rose is a bilingual public affairs and government relations firm based in Ottawa, Canada. Founded in 2015 by Jacqueline LaRocque, the firm helps organizations navigate the complexities of public policy, government procurement, and stakeholder engagement. With nearly a decade of experience, Compass Rose has built a reputation for providing strategic communications and advocacy services that bridge the gap between private sector objectives and public sector processes.

Services and Specialties

Compass Rose offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to organizations that need to interact effectively with government bodies and public institutions. The firm specializes in public affairs advocacy, helping clients shape policy discussions and advance their interests within legislative and regulatory frameworks. Their government relations services include policy landscape navigation, stakeholder analysis, and public sector procurement advisory, which are particularly valuable for small and medium-sized enterprises looking to win government contracts. Strategic communications is another core offering, encompassing media relations, message crafting, content development, and digital strategy. The firm also provides crisis communications and media training, equipping clients to handle reputational challenges and communicate effectively under pressure. Additional capabilities include event management, community engagement, and partnership building, all designed to foster productive relationships between clients and their key audiences.

• Public affairs advocacy
• Government relations services
• Strategic communications
• Crisis communications
• Media relations and media training
• Stakeholder engagement and analysis
• Public sector procurement advisory
• Policy consulting and development
• Digital strategy and digital government support
• Event management and community engagement
• Branding and content development
• Partnership building and B2B communications

Who They Help

Compass Rose works with a diverse range of clients, including corporations, non-profits, trade associations, and government entities. The firm is particularly focused on organizations that need to understand and influence public policy, whether at the federal, provincial, or municipal level. Their client base spans sectors such as technology, healthcare, defence, and natural resources, with a strong emphasis on digital government and national security issues. The firm also supports Indigenous economic reconciliation efforts, helping clients engage respectfully with Indigenous communities and stakeholders. By combining the expertise of former government officials, senior journalists, and private sector professionals, Compass Rose is well-positioned to serve clients who require nuanced insights into the Canadian policy landscape.

Approach and Philosophy

The firm's approach is grounded in facilitating solution-driven conversations rather than simply advocating for a single position. Compass Rose emphasizes finding common ground among diverse stakeholders, which is reflected in their method of policy messaging and stakeholder engagement. They prioritize understanding the specific context of each client's challenges, whether that involves navigating complex procurement processes, crafting messages for public communication, or managing a crisis. The team at Compass Rose brings practical experience from both inside and outside government, allowing them to anticipate how policy decisions are made and how to influence them effectively. This blend of public sector knowledge and private sector pragmatism is a defining characteristic of the firm.

Location and Credentials

Compass Rose operates from two offices in Ottawa's ByWard Market, at 1 Rue York, placing the firm in the heart of Canada's political and administrative capital. This location provides direct access to federal policymakers, departments, and agencies, which is critical for effective government relations work. The firm is bilingual, offering services in both English and French, which is essential for engaging with Canada's diverse political and cultural landscape. Beyond client work, Compass Rose supports community initiatives through donations to organizations such as Defeat Depression and the Canadian Nurses Foundation, reflecting a commitment to social responsibility. For organizations seeking a trusted partner to navigate government processes and public affairs in Ottawa, Compass Rose offers a practical, experienced, and relationship-driven approach. The firm is best suited for those who need clear guidance on policy, procurement, and communications within the Canadian public sector environment.