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A Roadmap to Success – Lobbying the Ontario Government
Provincial, Advocacy, OntarioArtem Chaplynsky reflects on his time spent working in the Premier’s Office and shares his beliefs on how to achieve success in lobbying the Ontario government. Artem has recently joined Grassroots Public Affairs as a consultant and will help clients navigate the complexities of government and public relations with confidence, aligning their interests with public needs. Artem can be reached at artem@grassrootspa.ca.
During my 4 years in the Premier’s Office, I was presented with countless product pitches by companies and evaluated many campaigns aimed at driving policy changes. I saw what made them fail and created a weighted evaluation matrix to determine the factors that led to success. Read on to gain insight into the intricacies of government relations and set your campaign up for success.
To achieve success in lobbying the Ontario government, organizations must address common pitfalls such as inadequate planning, insufficient stakeholder research, and poor stakeholder engagement.
Laying the Groundwork with a Comprehensive Plan
A successful advocacy campaign begins with a robust project charter, which outlines the objectives, scope, and stakeholders. This essential document provides a roadmap for the team, ensuring all members are aligned in their efforts. Many organizations falter in their advocacy because they fail to answer 3 crucial questions:
Prior to embarking on your project, ensure that you have a clear vision, an exhaustive list of potential stakeholders, and a well-defined stakeholder engagement plan. Seeking assistance from a government relations firm, such as Grassroots Public Affairs, can provide valuable guidance in creating a solid foundation for your campaign.
Identifying the Right People
Knowing who to engage in government is paramount to the success of your advocacy campaign. Begin by compiling a list of potential stakeholders so that when the opportunity arises to converse with a policymaker you can demonstrate that you value their time by doing your homework and can confidently request a meeting with a specific individual or group of people. Keep in mind that your issue or project is likely not a priority for them, so they may not readily think of the appropriate contacts for you. By conducting your own research, or working with a government relations firm, you can proactively prepare for these conversations and better navigate the government landscape.
Mastering Stakeholder Engagement
Not all government stakeholders you encounter will initially be supportive of your cause, but effective relationship management can help turn the tide. By clearly articulating the public benefits arising from your project, you can work to shift their perspective and foster positive connections. Maintaining open communication and addressing their concerns can lead to more fruitful and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders. One way to manage stakeholder engagement is by using the salience model. Measuring, tracking, and managing stakeholder prominence allows you to focus your effort where it matters most.
First Impressions Matter – Prepare for Success
In summary, thorough preparation is essential for a successful advocacy campaign with the Ontario government. By partnering with a GR firm like Grassroots Public Affairs, you can set your organization up for success with:
By addressing these challenges head-on, you can make a lasting impression and increase the likelihood of achieving your advocacy goals.
Federal Liberals Deliver $400B+ Budget for Canadians
Federal, NewsFederal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland rose in Parliament on Tuesday afternoon to deliver the 2023 budget, and the response from opposition is expectedly divided. Since the 2019 election outcome, the governing Liberals have been relying on the NDP for support and this year is no different. The 2023 Budget – Made-in-Canada-Plan can be read here.
Still recovering from the pandemic, the Trudeau government is seeing the national economy now face rising inflation and wanted this budget to address the shortfalls many Canadians are feeling. In short, the budget was focused on Canadians’ pocketbooks, public health care, and a clean economy.
On the downside, the government has been criticized for the significant deficits that are forecasted for the next several years. While this year’s deficit of $40.1B is slightly lower than last year, it is $10B higher than forecasted in last fall’s economic snapshot. Interest on the national debt will double from $25B a year to $50B a year because our national debt is now at $1,180B plus rising interest rates.
Some notable elements in the budget include:
The NDP currently only hold 25 seats in the House of Commons, however their influence on this year’s budget was significant. The $13B allocated for a federal dental plan is a direct result of NDP demands. You can read their official response here. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has already announced that his party will support the budget bill, all but eliminating the possibility of an election anytime soon.
The official opposition Conservative Party was, expectedly, dead set opposed to budget 2023 criticizing the government for fueling the fire of financial deficits and making life more unaffordable for Canadians. Party leader Pierre Poilievre made it very clear that the Conservatives would not be supporting the budget.
Media Coverage
CTV News – Budget 2023 prioritizes pocketbook help and clean economy, deficit projected at $40.1B
Global News – Budget 2023 expands dental-care program, but expected cost balloons to $13B
CBC News – Budget 2023 offers billions for dental care, plus spending cuts and tax hikes to tame deficit
Ontario’s Budget 2023 Stays Focused on Tory Priorities
Provincial, OntarioIn April of 2022, the provincial government in Ontario got back on track by releasing a spring budget after the previous two years were disrupted by the pandemic. In that budget they clearly identified that priorities moving forward would focus on restoring our healthcare system and stimulating economic growth. Eleven months later, the 2023 budget is very much focused on these same priorities.
Entitled “Building a Strong Ontario” this year’s budget includes record spending but also a surprisingly small deficit, and one that is significantly smaller than forecasted a year ago. While fiscal critics may denounce the $204.7B budget as anything but conservative, soaring inflation has led to an unexpected windfall in revenues resulting in a modest deficit of only $2.2B. That remains a large number, but it’s almost $18B lower than what was forecasted just one year ago.
In delivery of the budget, Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy warned that prudence was needed in the face of inflation, increasing interest rates and global instability. Furthermore, he stated that it was important the government shore up their finances considering the uncertain financial times the world is facing.
Spending highlights in this budget include:
Healthcare & Social Issues
Transportation
Seniors
Education
Residential School Searches
Northern Ontario
The budget’s biggest priority for the coming year is Healthcare where 39.6% of the total $204B budget is allocated. Second is Education at 17% and Children & Social Services expenditures account for 9.5% of the budget. Despite the lower-than-expected deficit the province’s $300B plus accumulated debt is resulting in over $14B the government must pay towards debt servicing.
Opposition Reaction
Not surprisingly, the opposition NDP and Liberal parties criticized the lack of spending on social programs, including money for the disabled and additional money for big cities including Toronto.
To read the full Liberal statement click here.
To read the full NDP statement click here.
Media Coverage
Globe & Mail – Ontario 2023 budget: Money for supportive housing, new tax credits, and five other highlights
National Post – Ontario budget projects $1.3B deficit, but surpluses starting next year
Toronto Star – Doug Ford’s new budget has more money for health care, but little to help fight inflation
Lobbying Commissioner of Canada Brings Forward New Guidelines – Mixed Reviews by MPs and Lobbyists.
News, FederalCanada’s Lobbying Commissioner, Nancy Belanger, proposed amendments to the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct this past November which received an array of mixed reactions from MPs and lobbyists alike. Renewing the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct released in November 2022 by the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada (OCL) highlighted the updated changes to promote “ethical and transparent lobbying.”
While some agree with the new set of rules which are pending, others are strongly opposed. Those who agree with the changes argue that this move levels the playing field for smaller organizations who do not have the capacity to host receptions at the level which large organizations do. Members of Parliament were quick to intervene and delay the proposed code of conduct for lobbyists due to a high volume of complaints.
Amongst the newly introduced guidelines in the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct (last updated in 2015) two rules stand out as the subject of conversation and controversy amongst MPs, critics, and lobbyists. The updated guidelines suggest:
Concerns were raised regarding volunteer roles falling under the scope of political work. Critics believe that the new guideline violates freedom of expression and political participation rights protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Under Section 2(b) – Freedom of expression; engaging in work for a political party or candidate is considered a protected expression (Osborne v. Canada (Treasury Board), [1991] 2 S.C.R. 69).
The revised code was expected to come into effect January 2023, however, MPs on the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (ETHI) (House Ethics Committee) called on Ms. Bélanger to appear before the committee to review the proposed changes due to complaints from critics who do not agree with the new guidelines.
While the approval of the House Ethics Committee is not required to update the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct, the Lobbying Commissioner intends on considering feedback before confirming the new guidelines. These changes are currently in the process of review, however, Bélanger hopes to have the updated code in effect by the end of March 2023.
Organizations that lobby federal government officials must be aware of these changes and all requirements involved with registering and recording interactions associated with lobbying.
At Grassroots, we closely monitor all factors that impact our client’s advocacy activities. Look for our follow up commentary in the coming weeks once the proposed changes to the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct have been finalized.
Effective Advocacy Skills for 2023 – Webinar Follow Up
Grassroots News, AdvocacyWe are thrilled, and humbled, at the very positive response to our recent webinar.
Attendees gave the presentation an overall rating of 4.5 [out of 5 stars] with strongest praise going to the political landscape updates, and the “relevance” & “practicality” of the material presented.
Thank you!
Now, it’s up to you.
Turning up, simply showing up, to gain knowledge, increase your skills, and gain leverage for you and your organization’s cause, is essential as we return to post COVID in-person advocacy. You, who live and breathe working IN the business sector every day, and know the issues that matter most, are the very best people to speak FOR that industry.
And we remind you, it’s not knowledge that makes the biggest impact. It’s execution of your knowledge and passion and purpose that matters most.
Now that you know about the 3C’s [Clarity – Consistency – Collaboration] and have an elevated awareness of the 4 Broad Styles of communication [Passive, Aggressive, Passive-Aggressive, Assertive], along with a better understanding of WIIFM [What’s in It for Me? from the perspective of the Minister, MP, or government staffer] it’s time to take action.
Don’t allow a ‘fear of public speaking’ to hold you back.
Sufficient interest in follow up sessions was expressed by several attendees and our Grassroots team is considering a return to in-person workshops, training, and coaching. Stay tuned.
To your success in highly effective advocacy throughout 2023, and beyond
– The Grassroots Team
3 Lessons Learned by Managing a Significant Lobby Day on The Hill
Advocacy, PersonalReem is an Associate Consultant at Grassroots Public Affairs and is based in Ottawa. Reem can be reached at reem@grassrootspa.ca
Recently, I had the opportunity to lead the management of a significant lobby day for a client on Parliament Hill. As we navigate back to in-person connectivity from the virtual world, I want to share some important lessons that I feel will help make your next lobby day successful:
Lesson 1: Preparation is Key
In a perfect world, everything goes according to plan. However, those familiar with running lobby days on The Hill know how quickly things can change. Being organized with a concise plan and agenda is fundamental for success. When managing a busy day full of meetings, it is essential to prepare for the unexpected and create room for flexibility in the day’s schedule if necessary.
Running through the agenda multiple times in advance is a helpful way to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Prepare all material, meeting documents, and schedules the day before to avoid unexpected factors on the day of such as a broken printer or internet accessibility issues on-site. Your main focus during the lobby day should be ensuring everything runs as smoothly as possible, so preparing everything in advance will ensure a better outcome.
Lesson 2: Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Another key to a successful lobby day is constant communication. Communication with the client, communication with the stakeholders you’re scheduled to meet with, and communication with your team. Make sure all parties are aware of schedules, updates, and any new changes that arise. Before the lobby day, it is important to reach out to the office of officials you plan to meet with – this should include a phone call if your correspondence was previously over email; it is beneficial to establish a personal connection before the meeting. Establishing clear communication is key for handling any situation quickly and efficiently.
The client’s focus should be on delivering their advocacy message, and it is the job of the consultant to make sure all other factors are taken care of. Establishing a “headquarters” and being present on-site with your client is essential to help them navigate the excitement and rush of a lobby day.
Lesson 3: Team Retro and Meeting Follow Up
A retro (meaning: retrospective) is a meeting held at the end of a project, event, or in this case, a lobby day, which is aimed at reflecting upon the successes, improvements, and outcomes of the day. Debriefing the experience afterwards is a fundamental way to measure growth, and to continue to build on what was achieved throughout the process. A retro with the client is beneficial to all parties and will help maintain a positive relationship after the project is complete. The work doesn’t end after the lobby day wraps up, proper follow up is crucial!
Managing a successful lobby day takes a lot of preparation and organization. However, I have learned that if you apply these lessons, you can ensure that your client’s message is heard, and their advocacy objectives are met.