The Canadian Embassy in Washington paid a consulting firm led by a former top Democratic Party official $2,000 an hour to help diplomats understand American right-wing messaging, according to federal records obtained by Blacklock’s Reporter.
The embassy contracted Signal Group, headed by Blake Androff, who previously served as executive director of the House Democratic Policy & Communications Committee under Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The consulting work included providing an “explanation of right-wing messaging” to Canadian diplomatic staff.
Androff played a key role in developing the messaging strategy that helped Democrats regain control of the House of Representatives in 2018. He also served as communications director for the Interior Department during the Obama administration and worked for Democratic leadership on multiple House committees.
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The contract comes as Canada navigates a challenging diplomatic relationship with the Trump administration, which has threatened tariffs and taken an increasingly confrontational stance toward its northern neighbor.
The revelation has drawn criticism from conservative commentators who question the wisdom of hiring a Democratic operative to help understand Republican communication strategies. Brian Lilley, writing on social media, noted that “Blake Androff, the CEO who signed the contract is a former top Dem staffer” and wrote “I can’t find Republicans with any prominent roles there.”
Signal Group describes itself as “an independent strategic communication and digital firm that navigates complex challenges to deliver impact and influence.” The firm has worked with various corporate and organizational clients on public affairs matters.
They were hired as the then-Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly boasted that Canadian diplomats possessed expertise that “goes deep at different levels of American society.”
Canada maintains one of the largest diplomatic presences in Washington, with extensive outreach efforts aimed at building relationships across the American political spectrum as the two nations manage trade disputes and other bilateral issues.
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