So there's a Federal Election...Which MPs will not be Running this time?

Reading the Ottawa Metro news this morning, I came across a very interesting article that association executives would be wise to heed. Anytime an election is held, it's crucial to monitor who the likely star candidates are and above all, which one's have declared they won't be returning.

In the paper, an important listing of MPs declared as not running was publsihed. Among them:

Conservatives:

Dave Batters (Palliser, Manitoba)
Norm Doyle (St. John's East, Newfoundland)
David Emerson (Vancouver Kingsway)
Loyola Hearn (St. John's South, Newfoundland)
Monte Solberg - Minister of Human Resources (Medicine Hat, Alberta)
Myron Thompson - Long term Reform then turned Conservative MP (Wildrose, Alberta)

Liberals
Roy Cullen (Etobicoke North, Ontario)
John Godfrey (Don Valley West, Ontario)
Paul Martin, Former Prime Minister (Lasalle-Emard, Quebec)
Paul Steckle (Huron-Bruce, Ontario)
Belinda Stronach (Newmarket, Ontario)

New Democrats
Bill Blaikie (Elmwood-Transcona, Manitoba)
Alexa McDonough (Halifax, Nova Scotia)

These were by far some heavy hitters in the last Parliament and in many instances, from several parliaments going back. Many of these parliamentarians had their own "pet" projects or interests that fall in line with the interests non-profits and associations espouse. Savvy Government Relations calls upon association execs to do a serious audit of where their issues will stand given the coming changes in the make up of the Parliament to come.

Where will your association stand up - better or worse? I'd be interested in knowing your thoughts on how this will affect your GR efforts.
_____________________________
Mark Buzan is Principal of Action Strategies, a GR Consultancy for non-profits. Subscribe now to his Lobbying tips newsletter at www.actionstrategies.ca/Action_Strategies/Newsletter.html