National Initiatives

National Settlement Conference 2
(Calgary - October 2-5, 2003)

Policy Plenary

The Policy Plenary comprised four individuals who presented from very different perspectives on the policy process and how to influence policy making:

• Naomi Alboim, School of Policy Studies, Queen’s University
• Robert Vineberg, Director General, Prairies and Northern Territories Region, Citizenship and Immigration Canada
• Janet Dench, Executive Director, Canadian Council for Refugees
• Marc Khouri, Political Advisor for the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration

Each of the speakers had a slightly different perspective on the policy process, and highlights of their presentations are included below. By reviewing the main points put forward by each speaker, it is possible to see the overlap in their recommendations regarding how to get involved in the policy process.

Nearly all of the speakers cite the importance of both timing and of contacting the appropriate people as key determinants of success when attempting to influence policy-makers. In addition, it is also important to link your issue to the government’s agenda, as well as to work cooperatively with other like-minded organizations in order to increase effectiveness.

Policy Development in Canada and How to Influence It - Presentation by Naomi Alboim

This presentation focused on six main components:

• The life cycle of a policy;
• Kinds of policies;
• Players (whom to influence);
• Processes (when to influence);
• The overarching importance of context and timing; and
• Helpful hints on how to influence.

The first topic addressed was the life cycle of a policy. This includes problem identification; agenda setting; policy option formulation; decision-making; policy implementation; and policy evaluation. All of these stages are involved in the cyclical policy-making process.

Naomi Alboim then outlined the main players in the policy process, as well as the different types of policies (i.e., legislation, regulations, operational policies, program design and implementation, tax policy and funding levels). This was followed by a diagram explaining the legislative process.

The three branches of government were also highlighted. These include the executive branch, the legislative branch and the judicial branch. The hierarchy within each of these branches was outlined as well.

After explaining the main players and the processes within the government, the presentation focused on external players. These include politicians, civil servants, interest groups, the media and the electorate. The presentation focused on the manner in which these external influences play upon each other, and the fact that each influences the other in some way.

After introducing the power of influence, Naomi Alboim turned the presentation to the question of whom to influence. She discussed the manner in which one might approach influencing various policy players. These included elected officials, political staff, civil servants, and party researchers; cabinet ministers, chairs of committees, committee members, and caucus members; government and opposition members; media and external stakeholders; departmental civil servants and central agencies; policy staff at head offices and operational people in the regions; all levels of government involved in executive federalism; and Canadian and international organizations (such as the UN and WTO).

After knowing whom to influence, she discussed when one might become involved, as well as the importance of timing and context. Situations where one might become involved, before and during elections, include the preparation of party platforms and candidate questionnaires, as well as in debates. One might get public commitment. Other situations include the preparation of the Throne Speech; preparation of the Budget; during the legislative process; and, on an ongoing basis, with research, consultations, question periods, commissions, standing committees and private bills.

In addition to knowing where to become involved, it is important that the issue be relevant to the person or people you are approaching. One can help ensure this by setting the context. A few suggested contexts include the international and domestic context; constitution and jurisdiction; state of the economy; competing demands; political culture; public opinion; and stage of mandate.

In conclusion, the presenter offered a number of key suggestions for being successful at influencing policy making:

• Make and maintain relationships - don’t wait for crises;
• Go to the right people;
• Have the facts - research, not opinion, counts;
• Make suggestions, don’t just identify the problem;
• Be specific about what you want;
• Always leave something behind, such as an easy-to-read summary;
• Use their language and fit into their priorities;
• Be non-partisan;
• Build alliances with others;
• Offer to help get the job done;
• Whenever possible, use honey, not vinegar; and
• Congratulate publicly if good work is done.

Policy Making in Government: A Regional Perspective - Presentation by Rob Vineberg

The presentation first focused on the definition of policy, the different types of policy (the strategic “what” and the operational “how”) and the way in which policy is formed. He then specifically linked this to the role the regions play in this process. It is important to have a federal presence in the regions to connect and communicate; to serve citizens’ real needs; to ensure policies and programs are appropriate; to manage federal–provincial–territorial relations; and to ensure coherent government action.

The presentation quoted from the Final Report of the Task Force on the Coordination of Federal Activities in the Regions, from the Privy Council Office and the Treasury Board Secretariat, July 2002. This report outlines important factors to consider in implementing federal policies in the regions:

• Taking account of regional realities in national policies and programs, considering the horizontal nature of regional realities;
• Ensuring good partnership agreements with provinces, municipalities and non-government partners;
• Exercising departmental leadership that defines and promotes both individual departmental and collective results;
• Adopting flexible approaches that are adapted to the horizontal context in regions; and
• Ensuring the ability of the federal government to develop coherent measures in support of local initiatives.

The role of regional leaders in policy making was outlined as maintaining strategic relations; contributing advice and a regional perspective to central strategic decision-making; lending operational staff to participate in the policy process; coordinating, through Regional Federal Councils; and providing input through Regional Federal Councils to the Privy Council Office and Treasury Board on the regional environment and the impact of proposed policies.

Finally, Rob Vineberg closed with a “Top Ten List” of tips to influence policy-making:

• Understand strategic versus operational policy;
• Government is really trying to interact better with citizens;
• Not everything can be funded;
• Seek multiple sources of funding;
• Organize yourselves to be representative of your broader community;
• Articulate clearly why your area or region is unique;
• Realize the importance of federal-provincial relations;
• Don’t just criticize - consider alternatives to propose;
• In approaching government, let others know who you’ve contacted;
• The ability and flexibility to adapt national policy at the regional or locallevel often varies depending on the issues and departments involved.

Influencing Policy Development: An NGO Perspective – Presentation by Janet Dench

Janet Dench presented on the perspective of the NGO in influencing public policy. The most important characteristics that settlement workers have are their knowledge of how policies and programs are working on the ground and their relationships with immigrants and refugees. They have a unique, first-hand perspective and should not assume that policy-makers know what is happening on the ground.

She outlined that the main concerns from the policy-maker’s point of view are the reasons why a policy is in place; how much it would cost to change the policy; what other consequences would there be; how will a decision affect other policy priorities; and how will it play out in the media. Therefore, the role of the settlement agencies is to narrow the gap between their experience and the policy maker’s perspective.

There are a number of ways that the message can be shaped. These include:

• Articulate the problem clearly;
• Illustrate the problem;
• Offer possible solutions; and
• Acknowledge and address other pressures facing the government.

She also outlined how using case examples can present a challenge, because governmental officials don’t like to comment on specific cases. But on the other hand, they sometimes require concrete examples. It is important that one know to whom they are speaking, and address their concerns at the appropriate level and in the appropriate tone. Other important considerations are timing, and mobilizing others with similar issues. This includes taking issues to umbrella organizations and seeking the support of other agencies.

She also addressed the importance of supporting refugees and immigrants in organizing themselves and identifying their key issues in an attempt to influence policy.

She closed by underlining the importance of not underestimating the impact that settlement professionals can have on the policy-making process.

How to Influence Public Policy from a Political Perspective – Presentation by Marc Khouri

Lobbying

In terms of influencing public policy, lobbying may be one of the most effective tools toward making a difference in how a government sets priorities and then implements policies. This presentation put forward some guiding principles that best describe the approach required to influence public policy from a lobbyist’s perspective. It also examined another key element, which is the policy development from within the governing political party.

“Out of sight is out of mind.” In order to attain any degree of success with respect to influencing the government’s agenda , one must be visible at all times during the policy process. This is crucial because if your position on a given issue is not heard, then there will be no way to shape the final product. This cliché is one of the pillars toward successful policy development because without the relationship and networking there will be no possible way that your position will be taken into account. Visibility also allows you to have an intimate knowledge of where certain initiatives stand, which in turn prepares you to be proactive and not reactive on any given issue. If you are reactive then you miss any chance of participating in the policy development process. If you are proactive then you will be able to provide policy options because you will have had the time to research your ideas. Essentially, if you are not present then you are nowhere.

“You can’t take the politics out of politics.” This is very important because this reflects a fundamental reality around the political arena. Understanding this statement can have an enormous influence on the way the politics work because even the best ideas or plans can be stopped if they do not make any political sense to the decision-makers. Thus, lobbying requires an understanding of all the dynamics at play. These include, in no particular order, polling, research development, media tracking and relationships with policy makers (such as public servants, academics, NGOs and politicians).

If you cannot align your client’s objectives with the government’s, then you will be unable to shape the public sphere. Understanding political decision-making requires an in-depth understanding of government relations, communication strategies and polling. A successful lobbyist will understand this and as a result will have leverage in shaping policy decisions because they know exactly where the government stands or will stand on an issue. This puts you in a perfect position to understand what political dynamics will be involved when it comes time to influence the final decision.

Political Party Participation

Every political party differs with respect to their own party policy development. In this context, he highlighted the governing party, with which he is affiliated. Influencing government policy within this context can be very effective. From this perspective, an individual can buy a party membership and then proceed to participate in the policy process. Usually, the party will have policy conventions once a year or will have riding policy workshops. This is usually done in a plenary format, whereby ideas get debated and discussed. At the end of the plenary session there are votes to support motions being put forward. If the motions are passed then they will be passed on and prioritized at the national policy convention, usually called a biennial. If the motions are defeated, then the person or groups will have to rethink their policy and return with stronger arguments.

Once at the National Convention, the successful motions get debated in a national context. Once the debate ceases, then the party votes for or against the motion. If the resolution passes, then it can be considered for the government’s policy. However, this is not a guarantee in itself because the passage of a resolution does not mean that it becomes government policy. At the end of the day, successful resolutions will be published in a document that will be distributed to the party, which may consider it for any future policy initiatives.

Index