7th Essentials of Lobbying

Key strategies for influencing government decisions
Date: January 29 & 30, 2014
Location: Ottawa
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Highlights

Learn from some of Canada’s top veteran lobbyists what it takes to be an effective lobbyist

Gain insight into how to develop an effective lobbying strategy

Get the latest on lobbying disclosures, reporting and ethics

Identify the key research elements needed for a lobbying campaign with the most impact

Learn how you can effectively use the media to position your issue with government and better target your audience

Hear best practices for mobilizing the grassroots to implement your lobbying strategy

Faculty

FACULTY
COURSE LEADERS
J. Stephen Andrews, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Stephen Andrews is a Government Relations advisor at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP. He provides counsel in the area of Government Relations, strategic communications, issues management and stakeholder relations.
CO-LECTURERS
Bernard Brun, Desjardins Group
Bernard Brun Director, Government Relations, Desjardins Group.
Jim Burpee, Canadian Electricity Association
Jim Burpee is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Electricity Association, where he acts as spokesperson on issues of national concern to the electric utility industry.
Harvey Cooper, Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada
Harvey Cooper is Manager of the Co-Operative Housing Federation of Canada. He has honed an expertise in assisting non-profit and voluntary organizations represent their interests to government.
John Gamble, Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Canada
John Gamble is President and CEO of the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Canada. He is a recognized expert and spokesperson on industry issues.
Brian Gilbertson, Agrium Inc.
Brian Gilbertson is Manager of Government Relations at Agrium Inc.
Clyde Graham, Canadian Fertilizer Institute
Clyde Graham is Vice-president, Strategy and Alliances at the Canadian Fertilizer Institute, where he promotes the interests of the nutrients industry with politicians and government officials.
John McKenna, Air Transport Association of Canada
John McKenna, President and CEO, Air Transport Association of Canada. He has over 20 years work experience in both the public and private sectors.
Elise Maheu, 3M Canada
Elise Maheu is Business Director, Government Markets & Public Affairs for 3M Canada. She has held a number of international leadership positions in 3M Europe and 3M Belgium.
Isabel Metcalfe, Public Affairs Counsel
Through her firm, Isabel Metcalfe Public Affairs Counsel, Isabel Metcalfe helps organizations implement successful government relations strategies.
Sean L. Morley, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Sean Morley is a Partner at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP. He is a recognized expert on Ontario and Canada's lobbying reporting laws.
Philip Schwab, AbbVie Canada
Philip Schwab is Senior Manager, Government Relations at AbbVie Canada,representing them on issues related to federal legislation and policy before the Parliament and Government officials.
Dan Seekings, Global Public Affairs
Dan Seekings is VP at Global Public Affairs and leads the Natural Resources and Environment team in Ottawa & Calgary, providing strategic advice to natural resource corporations.
W. Scott Thurlow, Canadian Renewable Fuels Association
W. Scott Thurlow is President of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association. He specializes in federal and provincial regulatory policies.

Program

COURSE PROGRAM
How to Be an Effective Lobbyist
An important variable that separates successful from ineffective lobbyists is the ability to persuade politicians to exercise political will. Even the most cautious governments tend to seriously consider wielding their political will when confronted with advocates of a cause that can combine a strong case with passion, patience and persistence. This opening presentation will highlight what it takes to be an effective lobbyist.

Profile of an effective lobbyist

Best practices for making your case

Case studies in various sectors

Subtle factors that inspire politicians to push beyond the status quo

Lobbying Disclosures, Reporting and Ethics
With the lobbying of government officials increasingly under scrutiny, strict adherence to lobbyist registration laws is essential. This presentation will address the latest legal developments and challenging issues of interpretation.

Update on the laws governing lobbyists: working under the Lobbyists Registration Act and the Lobbyists Code of Conduct

Adjusting your lobbying program to meet the new legal reality

Best Practices for Lobbying Government
Many organizations fail to make a lasting impact with decision makers. This presentation will highlight effective best practices for maximizing the impact of your lobbying efforts at the federal government level.

Developing written materials for public figures, political advisers & public servants

How to be effective, efficient, timely, clear and relevant

Effective follow up after a meeting

Role of coalitions and key stakeholders

Lobbying in the Non-profit Sector
With growing responsibilities in the delivery of community-based services, Canada's non-profit sector is increasing its scope and growing in importance. This presentation will examine how to develop effective relationships with governments in addition to private supporters.

Understanding the new advocacy environment for charities and non-profit organizations

Making the most effective use of your meetings with politicians

Forging coalitions to add impact to your message

Developing a lobbying plan to advance issues

Building on intrinsic lobbying strengths

Aligning Yourself with Partners and Coalitions
Partnering with other organizations by forming coalitions is one of the best ways to move your policy issue forward. This presentation will explore the benefits of working through coalitions to influence government.

Is your issue right for a coalition approach?

How to choose the right coalition partners

Evaluating who brings what to the table

Formal coalition versus an informal working group

Leading a coalition

Content lobbying vs. Contact Lobbying
Content lobbying is the everyday networking on operational issues with regulators, civil servants, other government service suppliers, etc., whereas contact lobbying involves going straight to the legislator or other decision maker. This session will examine the differences between the two and the pros and cons of each.

Advantages and challenges of both types of lobbying

Perils of contact lobbying

Best practices for employing contact lobbying when content lobbying fails

Determining when one type of lobbying is more suitable than the other

Lobbying for Associations
As the voice of a regulated industry, advocacy can take many forms. Getting attention is one thing, but getting the right attention is another. This discussion provides a look at how to effectively lobby on behalf of associations.

Organizing the lobbying effort: planning the strategy

Aligning your business interests with the public interest

Getting your facts straight and maintaining the focus on the facts

Using public debate to advance your interests

Developing an Effective Lobbying Approach
In today’s increasingly hectic communications climate where government officials are continually bombarded with a never-ending stream of pressing issues, simply standing out and getting your voice heard can be a challenge. This discussion details how the Canadian Electricity Association cuts through the noise and gets their message across.

Determining the key decision-makers in government

Developing the message so that government wants to listen

Participating in parliamentary committee hearings

Creating a media campaign

Canadian Fertilizer Institute Case Study: Building Industry-government Partnerships to Achieve Your Objectives
The Canadian Fertilizer Institute (CFI) is an industry association representing manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors of fertilizers. Over the years, the CFI has successfully built partnerships with federal and provincial governments to bring about a greater understanding of Canada’s fertilizer industry and foster a more constructive environment for the development and implementation of public policy objectives. This case study presentation will review:

How the CFI aligns its strategy and tactics with the requirements of various governments

Challenges in balancing public interest vs. business interests

Special issues to consider when government is your partner

Lobbying on a budget: How to win and influence people when operating in a multi-market environment
With businesses and opportunities spread across many markets in many jurisdictions, 3M Canada does not have the luxury of focusing large Government Relations budgets on any one issue. This presentation will examine the ways 3M Canada’s strategy builds relationships and presents effective solutions to governments in a diverse, multi-market context.

· Focusing on “where to win”: prioritization where there are restraints on budget

· Developing a positioning and engagement strategy

· Developing collaborations or partnerships with kindred organizations

· Enlisting external help

· Aligning internal resources

Mobilizing the Grassroots to Implement Your Lobbying Strategy
Many organizations are turning to grassroots campaigns as a way of building and maintaining their relationships in the halls of power. This presentation will examine how to mobilize the grassroots to maximize the impact of your lobbying objectives.

Mobilizing the grassroots as an added avenue in advocacy

Leveraging local connections to make your message stand out from the crowd

Communicating to your stakeholders and creating awareness of your issues

Strengthening your organization and its influence through member engagement

Multimedia Presentations

MULTIMEDIA PRESENTATION
Conducting research for a lobbying campaign
Walter Robinson
Tactix Government Relations & Public Affairs Inc.
Developing a positive relationship with the press
Jordan Kerbel
Canadian Jewish Congress
Panel: Lobbying in the non-profit sector
Tony Macerollo
Policy and Communication Specialist
Lobbying for associations
Andrew Casey
Forest Products Association of Canada
Best practices for lobbying the federal government
Tony Macerollo
Policy and Communication Specialist
Mobilizing the grassroots to implement your lobbying strategy
David Molenhuis
Canadian Federation of Students
Government relations and social media
Jay Nordenstrom
Canadian Association of Railway Suppliers
Lobbying strategies
Chris Benedetti
Sussex Strategy Group
Molecular thinking for lobbying
Myles Frosst
Agricultural Institute Of Canada
Lobbying vs. Advocacy: Is there a difference?
Nick Henn
Direct Energy
Dealing with outside stakeholders (lobbyists and pressure groups) on behalf of ministers
Daniel Brock
Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Political will or wilt: Lobbying governments with persistence, passion and patience
J. Anthony Stikeman
TACTIX Government Consulting Inc.
Lobbying under a minority government: Lessons learned
Eli Turk
Canadian Electricity Association
Developing a multi-jurisdictional advocacy strategy
Brock Carlton
Federation of Canadian Municipalities
Are lobbyists accountable to the public?
Tony Stikeman
TACTIX Government Consulting Inc.
Making effective government presentations at a time of increasing committee input
David McInnes
MDS Nordion
Demystifying the myths behind GR
Don Moors
Temple Scott Associates (TSA)
The evolving legislative & regulatory environment for GR practitioners
Hon. Gary Knutson
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP and former Secretary of State and Minister of State for International Trade for New and Emerging Markets
GR on a budget
Elise Maheu
3M Canada
Aligning organizational goals with government policy
Gordon K. McIvor
Canada Lands Company Limited
Reputation management: A cornerstone of effective GR
Michael Bourque
Chemistry Industry Association of Canada
GR strategies: Getting to yes in the world of grants, contribution agreements and government contracts
Teri A. Kirk
CentreBlock™ Inc.
Aligning yourself with influence partners and coalitions
Chris Conway
Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)
Case study: Influencing policy at the civil servant level
Bruce R. Burrows
The Railway Association of Canada
Building coalitions and alliances
Don Moors
Temple Scott Associates Inc. (TSA)

Participants

3M Canada

AbbVie Canada

Agrium Inc.

Air Transport Association of Canada

Association of Consulting Engineering Companies - Canada

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP

Canadian Electricity Association

Canadian Fertilizer Institute

Canadian Renewable Fuels Association

Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada

Desjardins Group

Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

Global Public Affairs

Public Affairs Counsel

Who should attend

Executives from NGOs, industry associations, professional groups, trade unions and charitable organizations; Government affairs managers and directors and registered lobbyists

Price

Price list:-
  • Course: $1975
  • Course and CD-ROM : $2150
  • CD-ROM Only: $799
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Additional Information

REGISTRATION:
To reserve your place, call Federated Press toll-free at 1-800-363-0722. In Toronto, call (416) 665-6868 or fax to (416) 665-7733. Then mail your payment along with the registration form. Places are limited. Your reservation will be confirmed before the event.
LOCATION:
Four Points by Sheraton Hôtel & Centre de conférences Gatineau-Ottawa, 35 rue Laurier, Gatineau, Québec J8X 4E9, 800-567-9607
CONDITIONS:
Registration covers attendance for one person, the supplementary course material as described in this document, lunch, morning coffee and refreshments during breaks are provided for registered duration. The proceedings of the event will be captured on audio or video. Multimedia proceedings with all slides and handouts can be purchased separately on a CD-ROM which will also include the event material.
TIME:
Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. The morning sessions start promptly at 9:00.
CANCELLATION:
Please note that non-attendance at the event does not entitle the registrant to a refund. In the event that a registrant becomes unable to attend following the deadline for cancellation, a substitute attendee may be delegated. Please notify Federated Press of any changes as soon as possible. Federated Press assumes no liability for changes in program content or speakers. A full refund of the attendance fee will be provided upon cancellation in writing received 13 days prior to event date. No refunds will be issued after this date. Please note that a 15% service charge will be held in case of a cancellation.
DISCOUNT:
Federated Press has special team discounts. Groups of 3 or more from the same organization receive 15%. For larger groups please call Sandra Frattolillo at 1-800-363-0722, ext. 223 to get more information.
PAYMENT:
Payment must be received seven days prior to the event date.