The Case of NAIMA Canada & the benefit of legislative environmental scans

NAIMA Canada is a trade association for North American fibre glass, rock wool and slag wool manufacturers in Canada. Founded in July 2004, NAIMA Canada represents the industry in Canada to promote the energy efficiency and environmental benefits of fibre glass, rock wool and slag wool insulation.

Seeking to take its government relations efforts to each of Canada’s provinces, NAIMA Canada found itself short in terms of expertise and understanding of the process for effecting change in Quebec. It needed Action Strategies to counsel the association on identifying the appropriate contacts and channels to bring Quebec energy and construction policy in line with the organization’s needs.

On numerous occasions, NAIMA Canada engaged us to identify policy makers in the political and legislative spheres as well as in regulatory sphere of the Quebec government. Primary to our representation, we found that the Agence de l'Efficiacite Energetique (AEE) and the Regi du Batiment (Building Code Agency) were where there was a great need to constantly monitor how these two organizations intended to regulate energy efficiency requirements in the building code. Each organization produces countless numbers of reports and convenes a number of different task forces. Without the benefit of a dedicated resource to monitor and report all of this back, NAIMA Canada would have undoubtedly missed some critical opportunities to advance their cause.

In all, engaging Action Strategies meant the association had the counsel it needed on identifying the appropriate contacts and channels to bring Quebec energy and construction policy in line with the organization’s needs. Conducting an audit of the possibilities, Action Strategies delivered a full report on the where NAIMA Canada would have the most success.

I would have to say that the experience was a positive one for both of us. What experiences or thoughts o you have on legislative monitoring?
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Mark Buzan is Principal of Action Strategies, a GR Consultancy for non-profits. If you have questions on how you feel your organization could benefit from legislative monitoring services. Subscribe now to his Lobbying tips newsletter at www.actionstrategies.ca