Who We Are
We’ve been in the room, on the record and at the ready.
Selvam Public Affairs (Selvam PA) was founded to address a gap in the market and provide solutions that clients could be proud of. We’re a full service, cross-border public affairs and communications firm with over 20 years of experience and a track record of success. We’re proud to serve Canadian and American clients.
We’re trusted and known as partners in the halls of all three levels of government in Canada. Our team combines seasoned government-relations professionals, communications strategists, and campaign architects who know how to open doors, shape narratives, and safeguard reputations at every level. Whether you need a funding breakthrough, a legislative win, or rapid-response counsel in a crisis, we translate relationships and communications strategy into measurable results—so your objectives move forward.
As we continue to grow, our focus remains on innovation, excellence, and building lasting relationships. We are committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends and technologies, ensuring that our clients always receive the most effective and modern solutions available.
Meet Your Team
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Saeed Selvam
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Saeed Selvam is the President and Founder of Selvam Public Affairs, bringing over two decades of experience at the intersection of government relations, crisis communications, and strategic public affairs. A trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies, global brands, and leading public institutions, Saeed has built a reputation for crafting high-impact campaigns that move public opinion, shape policy, and safeguard reputations.
Saeed began his career in the public sector, holding roles with prominent NGOs, the Ontario government, and the Government of Canada before stepping into the political arena as a candidate for municipal office. He has since led major public affairs initiatives across sectors, including his work as Global Policy Lead at Google during the COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of the war in Ukraine—navigating geopolitical crises with agility and influence.
Saeed has served as an informal advisor to the White House, a Premier of Ontario, and two Toronto mayors during pivotal moments of crisis, offering strategic counsel on communications, policy, and political risk.
A respected voice in the media, Saeed is a regular contributor on national news networks, offering expert commentary on politics, public policy, and government relations. He is a Millennium Excellence Award Scholar (Government of Canada), recipient of the Lincoln M. Alexander Award (Government of Ontario), and a Massey Fellow at the University of Toronto.
Saeed holds a Master of Public Policy and an Honours B.A. in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
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Valerie Fernandes
GENERAL COUNSEL
Valerie Fernandes is a seasoned public affairs strategist and lawyer with over 15 years of experience in communications, and legal advisory. As General Counsel, she help clients navigate complex policy environments, secure funding, and build resilient reputations.
Valerie’s career is defined by her ability to operate at the intersection of law, business, and communications. A graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School and an award-winning Oralist, she began her career by launching a boutique law practice that supported entrepreneurs and businesses with strategic legal counsel. Her sharp legal mind and business savvy led her to a high-impact role at Shopify, one of North America’s top technology companies, where she managed intricate intellectual property issues and advised on innovation policy.
Today, she is known for crafting bespoke public affairs campaigns and building high-impact narratives that shape public opinion and influence decision-makers.
Valerie’s ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling strategies makes her a trusted advisor to clients ranging from startups to industry leaders. Her work consistently delivers tangible results; whether it's securing public funding, elevating brand visibility, or managing reputational risk in high-stakes situations.
Why Choose Us
Big-Brand Talent. Less overhead. Proven Strategies.
We know your business and we understand the changing economy better than most. Many firms know politics, but few understand internal corporate constraints and the importance of return on investment for every dollar spent on services like ours. That’s why this firm was founded, to focus on quality and customer satisfaction, not billable hours and utilization.