By: Paul
Lansbergen, Senior Consultant
AMCES Ltd.
– Association Consulting Services
paul@amces.com
Congratulations to all those elected in our federal election. Now the real work will begin. I urge you all to set aside partisan politics and look for ways to collaborate in good faith to fulfill the mandate given by Canadians. The partisan theatrics can wait awhile.
The election is one for history books for three reasons. One, back at New Year’s the Liberals were destined to go down in flames. But a new leader and a threatening American President created a scenario in which the Liberals came storming back and won government. On the cusp of a majority no less! Two, the collapse of the NDP vote. They are down to 5.5% of the popular vote, a level not seen since 1993 when they were at 6.9%. Three, surprisingly not one but two opposition leaders lost their seats. Jagmeet Singh’s loss was predicted in the latter part of the campaign, and he ended up a distant third in his riding. More surprising is Pierre Poilievre losing his seat after 20 years. His party gained 25 seats, but he lost.
Associations can expect this minority government to last the usual 18 months or more. The NDP needs to select a new leader and develop a strategy to regain relevance for the next election. The Conservatives will also be distracted by questions of leadership. The party did well but Pierre Poilievre had a net negative rating by Canadians. A desire for change bolstered the Conservative standing but their leader is seen as the wrong person at the wrong time. The solution is to find the right person for the right time – which is what the Liberals essentially did with Mark Carney. The big question is how the Liberals plan to solicit support from the opposition – a formal/informal deal with one party or piecemeal on the individual issues.
Now that we have some context for Parliament, let’s look at how associations should be approaching their advocacy programs. I offer five tips.
1) Be non-partisan. This Parliament has two parties with strong seat numbers. The Conservatives are a strong alternative. Also, two other parties hold a balance of power. The parties need to collaborate and approaching them all can be instrumental to achieving success. You can ask the opposition to work quietly for you. They don’t always have to use it as ammunition for Question Period (although that is their default desire).
2) Be constructive. Raising concerns and complaining about something is not enough. Successful associations propose solutions. Besides, governments need help developing solutions. Left to their own devices, they may interpret the problem differently and then develop a different solution.
3) Find alignment with government priorities. Going with the political winds is much easier. If possible align your recommendations with the government’s priorities and objectives. Review the Liberal election platform. Read the upcoming Throne Speech. When alignment is not possible, try to find a compromise that fulfills your needs and still contributes to the government’s agenda.
4) Be reasonable. Don’t claim the sky is falling when the issue is not an existential threat. Be forceful but balance your messaging and level of effort with the extent of risk/threat. If you can, work with the department and the Minister’s office. If you aren’t progressing, then up the ante and take more public steps.
5) Broaden your campaign. Generally, the more people affected the faster the government will act. Consider the potential for a strategic alliance with other organizations. Even strange bedfellows can be highly effective and resonate with the government. A grassroots campaign by your members with their MPs can be effective.
Government can be a complex environment. If you need advice on how to advocate on behalf of your members or need assistance because you lack the resources, consider engaging a government relations expert. For example, I have 30 years’ public policy and advocacy experience across multiple sectors and causes. I have achieved tax changes and other regulatory modifications, influenced policy decisions and contributed to program development and implementation. I invite you to reach out to discuss your situation.