Stephen Harper's former chief of staff is going to work for one of Canada's largest public relations firms.

Chris Hall

Ian Brodie ran the prime minister's office for two years before leaving early in 2008. In that role, he was privy to all the major policy files and the government's internal decision-making.

In a news release, Hill and Knowlton says Brodie will be a senior counsel providing advice to the company's clients across the country in government relations.

“It is an honour to have Ian Brodie join our team. We are confident that our clients and our staff will benefit from the insights and experience he has gained during his years in government, as well as his political strategy expertise,” said Michael Coates, president and CEO, Hill & Knowlton Canada.

“His background in public service will help to further build Hill & Knowlton’s reputation as Canada’s pre-eminent public affairs and public relations consultancy.”

Of course, Brodie won't be doing any direct lobbying, or play an advocacy role with the federal government on behalf of those clients.

That's not allowed under the Federal Accountability Act brought in by his former boss. Back then, Stephen Harper said he wanted to stop the revolving door between minister's offices and the lobbying firms.

But he can advise his new colleagues on who to approach in government, and they, in turn, can do the lobbying.

Making Ian Brodie, with his extensive knowledge of this Conservative government and its key players, a darn good get.

At the same time, it would appear Hill & Knowlton are covering their bases. On Thursday the company announced that David Collenette, a former Liberal cabinet minister and a member of Michael Ignatieff's transition team, had also been asked to join Hill & Knowlton's ranks. Collenette will serve as a senior counsel in the company's Ottawa office.

Chris Hall