March 21, 2011 – Mark Buzan's PR and Public Affairs Spot on the Web:  Good lobbying and government relations practice requires foresight and advance knowledge.  Legislative research and monitoring helps answer many of these questions (click here to read about our launched service of legislative monitoring

March 18, 2011; Mark Buzan's PR and Public Affairs Spot on the Web - About a month back, I demonstrated some examples of the contacts I maintain with senior government officials.  On February 16, 2011, I attended a very interesting breakfast session held by the Ottawa

February 1, 2011; Mark Buzan's PR & Public Affairs Spot on the Web: I attended a good 'ole fashioned political rally on January 23, 2011 in Ottawa, Ontario held by the Conservative Party of Canada marking their 5th year in office.  Those who follow Canadian politics know

Lobbying in Ottawa has changed this fall and non-profit/ association executives would be wise to pay heed.  Anyone who bends the ear of Members of Parliament and senators must now register such activities under expanded new regulations that have taken effect.  Under the new rules,

From time to time, I am asked what Action Strategies does.  When I answer that 50% of our work involves government relations and lobbying on behalf of non-profit organizations and associations, one of the inevitable questions that arises is: “Are you registered as a lobbyist

One of the biggest issues non-profit executives identified to me in a recent survey of the challenges faced in government relations is identifying the right contacts in government and then building the right case that fits into the government’s agenda. Many will say that the

What counts more for you in developing effective government relations: the level of contacts one has or the basis of understanding one has for the political process? Over the years of working with associations in advancing their cause before government, one of the common threads

One of the most common issues I am confronted with is “how can my organization get funded for its program(s)”? And while funding opportunities are not what they once were, there still are some important opportunities out there that can “magnify” the under appreciated work

It’s hard to avoid hearing about the state of the current economy on TV these days without hearing about job losses and how bad things have turned. The private sector is a buzz with lay offs and in turn, the government is doing what it

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