ensure compliance and a level playing field for all lobbyists. In his view, this is a critical issue since only by ensuring all lobbyists play by the same rules can the profession over- come some of its reputational challenges.
ments from wind farms, high voltage transmission towers to waste disposal facilities. Surprisingly, given the amount of negative media attention wind farms have received re- cently in Ontario, the public is generally supportive of these projects. Randi proceeded to discuss the top com- munications issues faced by wind project developers and various strategies to gain acceptance of these projects. The next session was a PAAC favourite - the Ontario Members of Provincial Parliament roundtable discussion on election issues. Howard Hampton, former leader of the NDP led the discussion. His key point was that the incumbent Liberal government faced a very difficult chal- lenge of managing “pocketbook” issues affecting Ontar- ians. Job recovery is weak, costs and various taxes are increasing and this is hurting the liberal government’s chances for re-election. Howard suggested that the ballot question will relate to these so-called pocketbook issues. The next speaker was Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Infra-
The Award of Distinction lunch- eon featured over 150 guests honouring this year’s winner, John Weir of Enterprise Canada. John is one of the most respect- ed lobbyists and government relations professionals in Canada with over 30 years of experience working in the field.
The Award of Distinction luncheon featured over 150 guests honouring this year’s winner, John Weir of Enter- prise Canada. John is one of the most respected lobby- ists and government relations professionals in Canada with over 30 years of experience working in the field. John has consistently been ranked as one of Canada’s “Top 100 Lobbyists” by the Hill Times for his reputation for deliv- ering results to clients, from management issue challenges to effective policy development across all levels of govern- ment in Canada. With John’s vast experience as a lobby- ist and as a senior political advisor to several federal and provincial cabinet ministers, PAAC Chair John Capobi- anco was honoured to present this year’s PAAC Award of Distinction to John Weir. The afternoon kicked off with two presentations on NIMBYISM and the Grassroots Challenge by well known pollster and strategist Greg Lyle from Innovative Research Group, and communications consultant Randi Rahamin of Bridgepoint Group. Greg presented findings on how the public views various infrastructure project develop-
structure in the Ontario Liberal Government. Bob listed the many achievements of the McGuinty Government over the past several years and how Ontarians are better off now than they were when the Liberals took office in the fall of 2003. From tax reform to green energy initia- tives, Ontario is better positioned to take advantage of the growing green and clean economy worldwide, he argued. The final speaker was PC MPP, Ernie Hardeman. He discussed some of the challenges facing the current Lib- eral government related to energy costs and tax increases. Ernie suggested that, despite appearances, MPPs try and work together to deal with a wide range of issues affect- ing their constituents. He also agreed with Howard that pocketbook issues will likely be the key election concern in October. In conclusion, the roundtable panellists agreed that it will be an interesting election season with the possibility of significant changes to the electoral map in Ontario. The final presentation featured distinguished author
and public affairs consultant Terry Fallis of Thornley Fallis. Terry discussed the making of his recent novels The Best Laid Plans and The High Road, both satires of Canadian politics. These stories resonated well with the audience because of their realistic and hilarious descriptions of the trials and tribulations of Canadian politics. From strange and improbable election campaigns to winning against all odds, Terry entertained the audience with descriptions of how the novel crafting process is similar to a well orga- nized election or public affairs campaign. The evening ended with guests sharing drinks and war
stories with Terry and current and former PAAC Presi- dents. We all look forward to next year’s conference!
Steve Andrews is a Vice President with PAAC, and a Gov- ernment Relations Advisor at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP where he specializes in providing clients advice on lobbying law, coalition building, government contact programs and establishing in-house government relations functions.
June 2011 | Campaigns & Elections 49
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