Tonight's lecture at Dalhousie University about Politics !

Good evening friends,

Tonight I attended a lecture at Ondaatje Auditorium, McCain building, 6135 University Avenue. The topic is about “Political Process Sustainability: The Roles of Government”. A not-to-be-missed conversation with Federal NDP Member of Parliament, Megan Leslie, Graham Steele (NDP MLA for Halifax-Fairview) and District 8 Peninsula North City Councilor Jennifer Watts. The lecture is moderated by Steven Mannell, Director, College of Sustainability.

So, I made some reviews from Graham’s presentation because I found it interesting to know. Here they are.

Title : Making things happen (including sustainability)

By : Graham Steele

Preface : Do we really understand how things happen in government?

The province is easiest to influence

1.      The provincial civil service is small and concentrated in one place.

2.      There is not as much corporate lobbying as there is at the federal level.

3.      Political decision making is so coordinated by political parties.

4.      The provincial government is constitutionally sovereign.

The legislature is only one small part of how government works

a.       Laws.

b.      Regulations.

c.       Policy.

d.      Enforcement.

e.       Budgets.

f.       Funding.

g.      Forbearance.

h.      Tribunals.

What doesn’t work (much..)

a.       Street marches n demonstrations.

b.      Confrontation.

c.       One-off / once a year meeting.

d.      Petitions.

e.       Ideas that don’t acknowledge the facts.

f.       Ideas that don’t acknowledge competing priorities.

g.      Ideas that don’t acknowledge government policy.

Here are 7 keys to successful government relations

a.       Know your business and its key success factors.

b.      Know government – federal, provincial, municipal – how governments make policy-laws, regulations, programs relevant to your business.

c.       Build relationships at all levels.

d.      Be a resource for government – be helpful.

e.       Be active – involved.

f.       When advocating, match your needs with government priorities.

g.      Find allies when you can.

Making sustainability happen

a.       Follow Bob's rules. They are the fruit of a lifetime of (successful and effective) government relations.

b.      Its hard work. There are no reliable shortcuts.

c.       Its long term work. Don’t give up. Be persistent.

Conclusion: The people who get what they want from government is the people who don’t give up!

 Graham is presenting about 7 keys to successful government relations

Hopefully the reviews above will be useful! :)