The Pearson Centre for Progressive Policy

Progressive Dialogue and Policy for a Better Canada

Pearson Centre organizes discussion panels

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Pearson Centre organizes discussion panels

  • Date: February 10, 2016, 12:00 am to
  • For more information:

Doing Business in Ottawa

Organized by the Pearson Centre, for the Canadian Energy Efficiency Association
Wednesday, November 18, 2015; 7:30 to 9:00 am
Sheraton Hotel, 150 Albert Street, Ottawa

The Pearson Centre organized the panel to provide the board and members of the CEEA with an update on the new politics in Ottawa and on how decisions are made in the federal government. The non-partisan panel spoke about their perspectives on these issues and answered questions from the audience.

Panel:
Susan Delacourt, Political Columnist and Authour
Susan Scotti, Senior Vice President, Canadian Council of Chief Executives
Scott Thurlow, Senior Counsel, Temple Scott Associates

Moderators:
Elizabeth McDonald, CEO, Canadian Energy Efficiency Association (Host)
Andrew Cardozo, President, Pearson Centre

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5 rules to consider in advocating your position

• Understand the decision-making process
o Political process, the departmental bureaucracy, agencies, tax policy, federal-provincial jurisdiction
o Time lines of the system – how long things take: the next federal budget (likely in late February-early March, is one major upcoming event)

• Know what current policy is
o Demonstrate that you understand current policy (laws, regulation, etc.) and clearly state what you support or what changes you want to see.

• Know the relevant Liberal platform & read the mandate letters
o Explain how or where your issues coincide…or collide.

• Understand that the new government is committed to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency and wants to combat climate change, and that it is a new government.
o Can you relate your issues to its issues including the Paris Conference on climate change
o Keep your language and terminology appropriate to each audience

• Follow-up by email with those you met
o Always send the people you meet a message to indicate your understanding of the outcome. Discuss the follow-up you plan.

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