Action Strategies' blog

wondering what I should submit as a speaking proposal for the CSAE Conference in 2009 - ideas? / se demande quoi je devrais presenter au SCDA

Mobile post sent by mbuzan using Utterli.  Replies.

Action Strategies' blog

Back in Canada...ugh...from palm trees to Snow & -10 weather/ de retour au Canada...des belles temperatures a la neige...yuck!

Mobile post sent by mbuzan using Utterli.  Replies.

Action Strategies' blog

is heading off to Bogota for the next two weeks/ s'en va a Bogota pour les deux prochaines semaines.

Mobile post sent by mbuzan using Utterli.  Replies.

Action Strategies' blog

is on the train returning from a business trip in Toronto...very interesting insights into non-profits & charities/ est de retour de Toronto

Mobile post sent by mbuzan using Utterli.  Replies.

Action Strategies' blog

is heading off to Melbourne, Ontario to be with family/ s'en va a Melbourne, Ontario pour etre avec la famille

Mobile post sent by mbuzan using Utterli.  Replies.

Action Strategies' blog

is looking for a volunteer Press Chief for the CPC www.paralympic.ca/ cherche un Chef de presse pour le CPC www.paralympique.ca

Mobile post sent by mbuzan using Utterli.  Replies.

Action Strategies' blog

wonders how to leverage social media to create communities/ se questionne comment on utilise les medias sociaux pour creer des communautes

Mobile post sent by mbuzan using Utterli.  Replies.

Action Strategies' blog

is at the Canadian Paralympic Committee, looking over last minute stuff before the holidays...9 days left to Bogota!

Mobile post sent by mbuzan using Utterli.  Replies.

The Internet for Non-Profits & Leveraging your Lobbying

Two recent articles featuring my advice have been posted to Charity Village. Dealing specifically with how non-profits can be effective communicators and lobbyists, you can find the first article at:

Online PR for nonprofits

In the second article, I am quoted by Elisa Birnbaum. Check it out:

Government communications: Speaking politically.

Let me know your thoughts!

Taking the Year's End to Analyze Advocacy Efforts

While I've written that the end of 2008 necessitates associations and NGOs consider how their communications efforts link up with their membership strategy, there are some certain things that I have also learned valuable in terms of non-profit advocacy efforts.

Just as with the need to communicate effectively keeps association members engaged and recruits new ones, advocacy can in many ways play an effective role in membership strategy. Many associations have a role in defending the industry interests an association represents. In fact, for many the reason to join an association or cause is just that - defending a cause. Effectively planning an advocacy effort demonstrates value.

But conducting a campaign is not enough. Association executives need to develop strategies to keep members involved, providing tools, training and insight into the ongoings of Parliament Hill. So as 2009 comes upon us, especially with a budget coming in early January and a raucous Parliament (not to mention a possible NDP-Liberal Coalition), how are you linking your membership strategy with demonstrating value to members? More importantly, what is your plan to keep on the government's radar screen in the new year?


_________________________________
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

Linking Communications to Membership Strategy

So, we've arrived at year's end. Notably, I have seen most non-profit and association offices rapping up their work and settling into Christmas parties. But as staff gather around the eggnog and water cooler, this also becomes the time NGOs must analyze the past year and that which is coming. 2009 is upon us and if there has been anything at all that I have learned about the non-profit sector is that membership recruitment and retention is the lifeblood of an association.

Communications is really the heart that pumps the blood of membership outreach efforts. Without an effective communications strategy, members feel disconnected from their association. Donors don't connect with a charity's cause and result, don't see the need to donate! For all to occur wherein donations keep flowing and members become potentially involved in the board and its committees, an organization's intrinsic value needs to be communicated and understood. The same goes especially for campaigns. Here, not only do your audiences need to feel related to, your campaign should have a strategy to relate those campaigns back to the overall value you wish to have identified when thinking of your association.

In all, while I may sound harping, year's end really is the time for non-profits to think of this as the perfect period for a Communications Strategy New Year's Resolution. Namely, let's think of ways that membership and donor strategy can and should be linking to how audiences need to be communicated with.
_____________________________
Mark Buzan is Principal and Chief Magnifier in Action Strategies, a full service Strategic Communications, Public Relations and Public Affairs Consultancy for non-profits and associations. Make sure to contact him for advice on reaching audiences you may or may not have yet considered in your marketing communications and PR campaigns. Drop him a line if you are looking for help in developing a public relations campaign. You can view his website at www.actionstrategies.ca.

A Coalition Government of the Minority of the Minority?

Wow! How could anyone claim Canadian parliamentary politics is boring?! The possibility of a Liberal-NDP Coalition government supported by the Bloc drives home a point I have long called upon. Namely, one cannot afford to avoid developing and nurturing relationships with the opposition parties. With the real possibility that some of these previously obscure MPs may become Cabinet members, those who might have only focused their efforts on the governing caucus may find themselves short. If you're a non-proft exec, the time is now to work your parliamentary network and reach out!
_________________________________
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

Deciphering the Speech from the Throne. What does it mean for your Association?

Today marked the Conservative government's Speech from the Throne, the direction Prime Minister Harper will be taking Canada over the course of the next few years. Unsurprisingly, the diminishing economy has changed the the Conservatives' policy course and the Speech from the Throne reflected this direction. From a 16 page speech, the Governor General delivered 10 of those pages on subjects related directly to the economy. For association professionals with an interest in financial and international affairs, the following are indicators of where there will be opportunities:

• Reforming global finance to re-examine and renew the rules that underpin the global financial system.


• Avoiding structural deficits by putting all federal expenditures under the microscope of responsible spending.
  


• Focusing on job skills development especially through the skilled trades and providing further support to the automotive and aerospace industries.


• Expand investment and trade by modernizing investment, competition and copyright laws while working with the United States to address shared challenges and pursuing trade agreements in Europe, Asia and the Americas.


• Reducing red tape, fixing procurement, improving program and service delivery, and improving the management of federal agencies, boards, commissions and Crown corporations. In this regard, it's likely the Conservatives will be looking for means to tighten the belt. If your association will be looking to expand departmental or program support budgets, you may wish to seek the counsel of a professional as this will be a tough (but not impossible) time to start such an endeavor.

While the economy is the primary focus, do not despair if your association's mandate falls outside this arena. The Throne Speech identified six other items:

• Securing Canada's Energy Future - Are you involved in Energy issues? Now is the time to take note....BTW, Action Strategies has worked in the energy sector.


• Tackling Climate Change and Preserving Canada’s Environment


• Extending a number of social support measures such as the homelessness agenda, improving Universal Child Care, as well as building support for those caring for the disabled


• Tackling Crime


• Continuing the Afghanistan mission


• Important democratic reforms that will give British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario more seats in the House of Commons. Moreover, Senators may face term limits.

The bottom line is this: If you wish to understand where your association's policy agenda is likely to stand (or stand a chance), the time is now to conduct an legislative and political audit. Leveraging the Speech from the Throne by identifying the priorities, gives an indication of how lobbying success can be revealed. Conducting the audit now as 2008 comes to an end means you will be ahead of the curve and save your organization countless dollars and time.

Does this strike a cord? Drop me a line or leave your thoughts.
_________________________________
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

Understanding Parliament to Maximize your Association's Objectives

Now that parliament has reconvened and we Canadians are before another Speech from the Throne, the relavance of situating one's organization into Ottawa's policy arena is more important than ever. Through becoming more acquainted with the parliamentary process and its daily and yearly workings, you’ll be much better positioned to maximize your business’ objectives and goals.

The legislative process can be an intimidating one to stay on top of, especially if you fill your days and mind with the constant needs of a running a nonprofit business. In order to ensure you understand the Parliamentary process on a more personal level, you have to have not only a working knowledge of what goes on there, and what policies are being introduced and put into law; but also, have your eyes, ears, and hands in the political arena. It is a full time job, and many organizations do not have the time or in-house manpower to stay on top.

Many-if not most-nonprofit entities do seek the aid of a government relations firm or specialist to bridge this gap between their non-profit’s needs and Parliament’s protocol. These specialists bring years of experience in the Canadian political arena, contacts, troubleshooting savvy, and the like to help you learn and approach your government in the most convenient and effective manner. Here’s a look at the actual specifics that these specialists provide-or conversely you will need to enact-in maintaining a constant and lucid conversation with Parliament:

• Draw from already established political networks and contacts for aid.


• Keep abreast of past, present, and future legislative action and policy.


• Prepare necessary legislative documents for presentation in legislative proceedings (briefs, speeches, etc).


• Gather support for your nonprofit issues by rallying new coalitions and campaigns.


• Provide constant research on supporting legislative regulations and policies.


• Keep a constant presence for influence in the House of Commons Caucus committees.
  


• Maintain contact and communication with non-partisan lobbying groups.


• Provide troubleshooting advice, analysis, and reaction as needed.

The Canadian Parliament is a very specialized and established system set up to provide the best regulation, policy, and laws for all Canadian citizens. Keeping informed and involved with the House of Commons and the Senate is vital to having your needs and wants as a citizen and business professional heard and shaped into history. Whether you opt for the assistance of a government specialist or choose instead to gets your hands into the mix, knowing everything you can about past, present, and future Canadian Parliament and how to best specifically address it-as noted above-is the only way that you can help enact change and positive movement in your life and your business’.

What is your opinion on Parliament and its relation to your business or movement? Personally, I am finding more NGOs and their board members seeking outside help to counsel them on where their cause fits into the government's agenda. In response, we're gaining some important insight and success. Drop me a line or a comment if I can be of help. Also, please share your personal experience here.
_________________________________
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

Pitch Your Stories By Phone

To get a story in the media, you can’t rely solely on the written word; you can’t merely send a fax or a press release. You also must "pitch" your stories through phone calls to selected editors and reporters. As difficult as it may seem, "pitching" your stories in this way is necessary to getting media coverage. Phone calls humanize and personalize your stories, so if you have a newsworthy story you believe in, get on the phone and tell the media about it. Set aside time right after you have sent off your media alerts or press releases to make phone calls to those journalists you really must reach. Making "cold" calls to people you don’t know can be difficult, but most reporters and editors don’t and shouldn't mind getting them; they depend on and encourage citizens to phone in story tips. Here are some tips to make this task easier.

1. Call at the right time. If possible, call a week before your story will break to give reporters time to prepare for it and inform their editors. Call when the reporter is not likely to be "on deadline," usually early in the day the first few hours of their work day. Even then, always ask journalists if they have time to hear about your story. Don't ask if they got your release; even if they did they may have forgotten or misplaced it. Assume they know nothing about your story and say something like this:

"Hello I’m Joe Blow from the Citizens Energy Campaign, and I have a good story for you about our campaign to cut energy costs. Is this a good time to talk?"

2. Be Prepared: Know Whom You're Calling and Know Your Story Don't make anonymous calls to the media and try to explain your story to receptionists and desk clerks. Call directly or ask by name for the reporter or editor who should have your story. Then, be able to present it in 30 seconds. Tell the story the way the media might tell it to their audience. If necessary, write a script that quickly gets into the heart of the story. Emphasize the newsworthy elements--the conflict, the unprecedented angle ("It’s the first..."), the significance of the story to the writer’s readers and its connection to other issues in the headlines or news peg. You might say:

"Our group is fed up with the recent increase in utility costs granted by the state commerce commission. So we are starting a petition campaign to get lower costs. But this is not just another petition drive; this time we’re starting at shopping mall in the communities of the utility commissioners. We want them to feel the heat from their own neighbors. We kick of the campaign Saturday at Ridgewood, near the home of commission chairman I. M. Connected."

3. Make Your Calls Near a Fax Machine. Even if you already mailed or faxed media alerts or press releases to reporters and editors, be prepared to fax additional copies after your pitch call. Journalists often lose or misplace your releases in the newsroom clutter, and it’s easier to send a fresh copy when the story is on their minds.

4. Be Ready With Specifics. Have detailed examples, statistics, and stories to back up your pitch, and be prepared to give out numbers of people who can be interviewed to tell these stories. Know your issue so well that you can answer most questions then and there.

5. Be Persistent But Don’t Be A Pest. Most journalists can not promise to do your story at the time of your call. When they say they will "look into it and do what they can," that’s about all the commitment you can get. If you push further, you can alienate the journalists and drive them away from you and your stories.

6. Offer To Do More To Make Their Job Easier. Journalists often have too much to do in too little time; they are more likely to do stories that are easy for them to research and report; offer to do whatever you can to make this job easier.

7. Be Pleasant And Upbeat--Not Frantic , Moralistic, Or Nagging. Your story may have serious ramifications and be emotionally stirring, but don‘t let that infect your pitch. Journalists like enthusiasm, but they do not like sermons with their story ideas.
_____________________________
Mark Buzan is Principal and Chief Magnifier in Action Strategies, a full service Strategic Communications, Public Relations and Public Affairs Consultancy for non-profits and associations. Make sure to contact him for advice on reaching audiences you may or may not have yet considered in your marketing communications and PR campaigns. Drop him a line if you are looking for help in developing a public relations campaign. You can view his website at www.actionstrategies.ca.

6 Steps to Free Publicity for Non-Profits

Everyone wants free public relations; how do you find ways to do this? Below, is a list of the best ways to get your name and objectives out there, so that you can start bolstering your company’s funding initiatives.

1. Fundraiser Events: In your nonprofit, everything practically qualifies as a “fundraising event”, but more specifically, plan an event that offers the community something in return for their time and money. Offer an inclusion entry fee as a minimal to make the event more attractive to the public. For example, if you operate an animal rescue agency, offer a walk your dog event, in which people can bring their dogs, pay a nominal fee to support an upcoming worthwhile project, and meanwhile be introduced to all that your agency offers.

2. Free Seminars and Learning Programs: Especially if your nonprofit is new to the area, offer a free in-house seminar or learning program in which you offer a valuable free lesson on one of your company’s missions. Again, for example in the case of a nonprofit animal rescue agency, you could offer a free train your dog weekend. This way, you receive tonnes of valuable contacts and potential financial supporters visiting your agency. Introductions such as this are priceless when it comes to your nonprofit’s short and long term publicity goals.

3. Online Articles and Press Releases: Even if you are relatively new to the world of the internet and internet marketing, creating free articles, taking part in forums, and drafting online press releases could be key to getting your name and mission out there. There are thousands of online article sites in which you can introduce your nonprofit’s expertise and mission and provide a link back to your company website for free. Press release sites come just as varied online. If you have a new program or product you are introducing, do a quick search for online press release sites, and post a quick description about it-highlighting your business name and contact. Create a free blog and link to your company website-outlining on a regular basis industry news, program initiatives, etc. Take part in online forums: again, this is free, and will help you communicate the importance of your company to not only your local community, but also, the world at large.

4. Use the Media as your vehicle: A properly developed story targeted according to that which the public yearns to learn or more of or that which is a burning subject of interest is a great opportunity for your organization to leverage. Have your PR consultant or your staff brainstorm on how your cause fits into the debate and provide comment. Doing this over a consistent period of time will build solid relationships with journalists that will build recognition and awareness. However, beware! Some PR consultants may claim “personal media contacts” are the key to successful PR. Exercising these media contacts may involve them charging meals and drinks to your account. Don’t entertain this notion. Good PR is about developing a sound professional relationship with journalists - that means providing them with the information and opportunities they need to interest their readers. Understand what your editors want. Look at samples of key journals, web sites and other outlets on your target list. What is the mix of commissioned articles, features, releases and advertorials? What is the typical copy length, style, and tone of voice? Aim to match these criteria.

5. Develop an newsletter and reach out to your key targets: Newsletters are tricky things - here are a few tips and thought starters. Go back to the beginning. What is the objective of the newsletter? Define clearly what you want to achieve in developing your newsletter. Be specific so that you can monitor outcomes and fine tune to improve success. Describe the typical reader. Think what interests and information needs they have. Are all readers similar? If not, matching content to their interests could be a problem. How do they prefer to receive information - print or by e-mail? Above all, make certain visitors to your website have a clear means of subscribing to your newsletter vi the first page of your website.

6. Leverage the power of social media site such as YouTube, Facebook, etc.: Online social networks used to be just gathering places for friends and long-lost acquaintances. Then the marketers arrived, followed by politicians and job recruiters, all looking to tap into a growing mass of young people who are spending much of their time on the Web. Now, non-profit organizations are testing ways to raise money through these networks, betting that the Internet's viral nature will open fresh avenues for fundraising and marketing. It's a big change for non-profits as they shift from direct-mail campaigns and relying on the checkbooks of older givers to the unpredictable whims of Web popularity. Though the transition is nascent, charities see potential in recruiting young activists who already use online networks to broadcast their identities and make connections.

Have some other tips or ideas that have helped your nonprofit to grow and succeed. By all means, add your thoughts and experience by leaving your comments.
_____________________________
Mark Buzan is Principal and Chief Magnifier in Action Strategies, a full service Strategic Communications, Public Relations and Public Affairs Consultancy for non-profits and associations. Make sure to contact him for advice on reaching audiences you may or may not have yet considered in your marketing communications and PR campaigns. Drop him a line if you are looking for help in developing a public relations campaign. You can view his website at www.actionstrategies.ca.

Well, here they are...the new cabinet!

Earlier this morning, I mentioned some of my guesses regarding the new cabinet. Some panned out, others were more of a surprise. Of particular note was that Jason Kenney did indeed become Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. For my sport clients such as the Canadian Paralympic Committee, there's now a sport specific minister - Gary Lunn. For those associations who have approached me with issues dealing with seniors, the Veteran's Affairs minister remains Greg Thompson of New Brunswick. For CPP and social policy matters, the minister remains as Diane Finley. For some of my previous clients who have been concerned by energy efficiency issues, a new face to watch will be a brand new face in Parliament, Lisa Raitt.

In total, here's a list of the newest cabinet:

The Honourable Robert Douglas Nicholson
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn
Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture)

The Honourable Gregory Francis Thompson
Minister of Veterans Affairs

The Honourable Marjory LeBreton
Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister of State (Seniors)

The Honourable Chuck Strahl
Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians

The Honourable Peter Gordon MacKay
Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway

The Honourable Stockwell Day
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway

The Honourable Vic Toews
President of the Treasury Board

The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Labour

The Honourable Diane Finley
Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development

The Honourable Beverley J. Oda
Minister of International Cooperation

The Honourable Jim Prentice
Minister of the Environment

The Honourable John Baird
Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon
Minister of Foreign Affairs

The Honourable Tony Clement
Minister of Industry

The Honourable James Michael Flaherty
Minister of Finance

The Honourable Josée Verner
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister for La Francophonie

The Honourable Jay D. Hill
Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

The Honourable Peter Van Loan
Minister of Public Safety

The Honourable Gerry Ritz
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board

The Honourable Jason Kenney
Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism

The Honourable Christian Paradis
Minister of Public Works and Government Services

The Honourable James Moore
Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health

The Honourable Lisa Raitt
Minister of Natural Resources

The Honourable Gail Shea
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

The Honourable Gary Lunn
Minister of State (Sport)

The Honourable Gordon O'Connor
Minister of State and Chief Government Whip

The Honourable Helena Guergis
Minister of State (Status of Women)

The Honourable Diane Ablonczy
Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism)

The Honourable Rob Merrifield
Minister of State (Transport)

The Honourable Lynne Yelich
Minister of State (Western Economic Diversification)

The Honourable Steven John Fletcher
Minister of State (Democratic Reform)

The Honourable Gary Goodyear
Minister of State (Science and Technology)

The Honourable Denis Lebel
Minister of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec)

The Honourable Keith Ashfield
Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)

The Honourable Peter Kent
Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas)
_________________________________
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

Things that make you go..hmmm!

Two things have come up today that I'll be monitoring with interest.  First, it appears as though Prime Minister Harper will be announcing his new cabinet.  Of particular interest are the growing rumours that James Moore and Jason Kenney are likely nominees.  From those reading this blog in the past, I predicted they will be ones to watch...let's wait and see.

On the provincial scene, it appears that Premier Jean Charest will be heading Quebec into another election seeking a majority government.  Humbly, this is disappointing as there are a number of legislative issues that will need to be put on hold.  Time will tell what will result of the provinces 3 parties in the National Assembly.

Predictions anyone on either of the two situations?

5 Principles of Effective Government Relations

When it comes to ensuring government relations are communicating and teaching the public in an effective and attainable manner, what are the most important services and functions that you should expect from your Canadian government relations resource? From the perspective of someone wondering about the value of a lobbyist, I thought it pertinent to provide my ideas on the most obvious reasons of what should be expected in an optimum government relations office.

1. Parliament: Beyond offering an effective advisory, advocacy, and educating resource for Canadian citizens, an effective government relations resource should know the ins and outs of Parliament and how it relates to the average citizen, to better be able to communicate to the citizen this information. So, how does a government relations resource keep abreast of the most useful Parliament information?

2. Regulation: Another important principle of effective government relations is providing citizens with regulation information and assistance. By acting as an intermediary between concerned citizen and the private sector, government relations specialists can help maintain and revise-if need be-current private sector regulations. They can use their contacts and experience in the government to ensure that all parties are being treated according to fair practice. By keeping an eye and hand in the workings of governmental actions and practice, these specialists can ensure balance through proper regulation.

3. Trade and Investment: Government relations employees are also very necessary in the area of trade and investment. With all the rules and disputes that can arise in trade and investment-between the U.S and Canada primarily-having this resource to secure the best information and navigation in your affairs is absolutely necessary. For example, government relations specialists can teach you about current NAFTA and other trade association regulations, help you acquire financial assistance in relation to trade, set up your new business service or investment program in Canada, and navigate general customs issues.

4. Procurement: Procurement of new technological opportunities for government use is another necessary principle for effective government relations. These specialists not only receive incoming opportunities for technological advancement for government procurement, but also seek out and identify potentially helpful technological resources. Government relations teams as an effective practice; invest their time, money, and resources in technology companies to promote the mutual technological prowess and success of both business and country. On a more specific level, these government relations representatives actively market, network, research competition, and oversee contract negotiations of tech businesses they find promising.

5. Grassroots Campaigns: Generating support for your cause can sometimes seem an overwhelming venture, no matter how important the cause. Government relations representatives can help bridge the gap between the public outcry of grassroots campaigns and governmental decision makers in an effective and demonstrative manner. They help lobby for specific causes and groups through key contacts, organize the campaign for presentation, generate marketing tactics, and overall boost widespread support for a cause or campaign that just needs a voice.

Do you have an example of one of the five effective principles of government relations or perhaps have insight to share on the efficacy of government relations resources and representatives. Please share your story with us.


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

Who's in and ... who's out?

Since the results of last week's election were revealed, it's clear that while a Conservative party minority government has returned to Ottawa, the composition of this government will be different. 35 new MPs (new to Parliament) from the Conservatives were elected making a much stronger minority government from that of the 39th Parliament. Who are these new members of the government? Reviewing the list reveals the following:

Aglukkaq, Leona Nunavut, Nunavut
Ashfield, Keith Fredericton, New Brunswick
Block, Kelly Saskatoon--Rosetown--Biggar, Saskatchewan
Boughen, Ray Palliser, Saskatchewan
Braid, Peter Kitchener--Waterloo, Ontario
Brown, Lois Newmarket--Aurora, Ontario
Cadman, Dona Surrey North, British Columbia
Calandra, Paul Oak Ridges--Markham, Ontario
Dechert, Bob Mississauga--Erindale, Ontario
Dreeshen, Earl Red Deer, Alberta
Duncan, John Morris Vancouver Island North, British Columbia
Glover, Shelly Saint Boniface, Manitoba
Hoback, Randy Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
Hoeppner, Candice Portage--Lisgar, Manitoba
Holder, Ed London West, Ontario
Kent, Peter Thornhill, Ontario
Kerr, Greg West Nova, Nova Scotia
Lobb, Ben Huron--Bruce, Ontario
McColeman, Phil Brant, Ontario
McLeod, Cathy Kamloops--Thompson--Cariboo, British Columbia
O'Neill-Gordon, Tilly Miramichi, New Brunswick
Payne, LaVar Medicine Hat, Alberta
Raitt, Lisa Halton, Ontario
Rathgeber, Brent Edmonton--St. Albert, Alberta
Richards, Blake Wild Rose, Alberta
Rickford, Greg Kenora, Ontario
Saxton, Andrew North Vancouver, British Columbia
Shea, Gail A. Egmont, Prince Edward Island
Shory, Devinder Calgary Northeast, Alberta
Uppal, Tim Edmonton--Sherwood Park, Alberta
Weston, John West Vancouver--Sunshine Coast--Sea to Sky Country, British Columbia
Weston, Rodney Saint John, New Brunswick
Wong, Alice Richmond, British Columbia
Woodworth, Stephen Kitchener Centre, Ontario
Young, Terence H. Oakville, Ontario

With 35 new MPs to choose from as well as a number of notable MPs who are not returning to this Parliament, the Prime Minister will have his work cut out for him in constructing a new cabinet. Most notable in those that I have had contact with in the past include Monte Solberg (Minister of Human Resources and Social Development) and Rahim Jaffer (Chair of the National Conservative Caucus).

Of the MPs for which I have had some personal contact with, I would wager that some important MPs to watch would include James Moore (Port Moody-Coquitlam), Jason Kenney (my former boss), Maxime Bernier (even with the troubles experienced earlier in the year, the Prime Minister needs Quebec representation in the Cabinet), Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Lawrence Cannon, Stockwell Day, and Pierre Poilievre.

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