Affecting change in public policy is becoming increasingly complex. With new voices clamouring for attention from policy makers each day, it is more critical than ever to have a well-developed government relations strategy to cut through the din of interest groups, trade associations, coalitions and ad hoc citizen groups. This presentation will describe the structure of effective government relations strategies and keys to effective implementation, and emphasize the importance of knowing what is on the government's policy agenda.

Discussion topics include:

• stakeholder mapping and determining the key influencers in the policy community


• developing a policy monitoring system to gather critical information


• creating awareness within government of your issues


• estabishing core objectives of the campaign to drive the strategy