Mid-November, Greenpeace released documents revealing that public interest groups were targeted for U.S.-style opposition research by TransCanada’s public relations firm, Edelman. Edelman is the largest PR firm in the world.

The document says that Edelman will “prepare a research profile of key opposition groups by examining public records (including financial disclosures, legal databases and legislative records), traditional media sources and social media. All relevant findings will be compiled in a written, fully documented report, to include a summary of findings and assessment of strengths and weaknesses...."

Edelman’s Mike Krempasky is listed as “responsible for the overall strategic direction and directly responsible for the success of the campaign.” Krempasky has previously had to apologize for his Walmart campaign that used fake grassroots bloggers. 

Edelman has a history of recruiting third parties to smear its clients’ critics, including for the tobacco industry and the American Petroleum Institute.

“TransCanada likes to sell this as a nation-building project. This isn’t how you build a nation,” says Maude Barlow, chair of the Council of Canadians. “These Tea Party tactics are not welcome in Canada.”

The leaked documents include Energy East Campaign Organization: Promote, Respond Pressure (August 5, 2014), Research Synthesis (no date), Grassroots Advocacy Vision Document (May 15, 2014), Digital Grassroots Advocacy Implementation Plan (May 20, 2014), and Strategic Plan: Quebec (May 20, 2014).

After the documents became public, TransCanada reportedly cut ties with Edelman, but continue to implment recommended strategies, such as fabricating grassroots support.