PCA had three very successful days in three provinces in November 2016. Government Relations isn’t always “sexy” — sometimes it’s just very hard work, but it accomplishes four important outcomes:
– It informs key government players who might not be fully aware of our presence and scope;
– It allows us to tell our story our way — rather than leaving that to others who might not have our best interests in mind;
– It establishes us as players who deserve a place at the table when governments are making important decisions that affect our interests;
– It makes governments aware that we will defend our members’ interests — and complicate their agenda — if they do things to harm them.
In total our meetings engaged over 30 quality contacts with key targets (please see list,below). It was not, however, just the quantity of the meetings and contacts. The quality of each meeting was significantly enhanced by the presence and participation of PCA member companies and CLAC representatives. Your presence and voice at the table provides the authority and detail that raises our profile with both the Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba governments.
Significantly, having our labour partner with us is a distinguishing feature that sets us apart from our competitors. Thank you Wayne, Dennis, Phil and Geoff for carrying the CLAC flag and working together with us in such a progressive fashion!
We continue to advance your interests across the country, and will let you know when other key GR opportunities arise. Please let us know if you hear of issues, policies or opportunities we can pursue on your behalf.
Nov 2-3 – SK Premier’s dinner and Gov’t relations day
At Reception – Nov 2:
- Premier Brad Wall
- At least 6 MLAs
- At least 3 Ministers
Meetings on Nov 3:
- Mike Carr, DM Labour
- ADM Connie Kerr
- Don Morgan, Labour Min
- Jeremy Harrison, Economy Min
- Nithi Govindasamy, DM Infrastructure
- ADM – Blair Wagar
- SK Economic Subcommittee
- Gene Makowsky, Chair, MLA
- Steven Bonk, MLA
- Bill Boyd, MLA
- Lori Carr, MLA
- Delbert Kirsch, MLA
- Laura Ross, MLA
- Trent Wotherspoon, NDP leader (were others in this meeting)
- David Marit, Infrastructure Mini
Nov 8-9 – AB reception and Gov’t relations day
Reception on Nov 7:
- NDP:
- Min of Labour, Christina Gray
- Anam Kazim, MLA
- Annie McKitrick, MLA
- Kim Schreiner, MLA
- Wildrose:
- Derek Fildebrandt, MLA
- Angela Pitt, MLA
- Wes Taylor, MLA
- Drew Barnes, MLA
- Todd Loewen, MLA
- Jason Nixon, MLA
- A couple others, MLA
- PCs
- Wayne Drysdale, MLA
- Rick McIver, MLA
- David Rodney, MLA
Meetings on Nov 8:
- Christina Gray, Min of Labour
- COS Brad Lafortune
- Brian Mason, Min of Infrastructure
- Shannon Flint, DM of Infrastructure
- Barry Day, DM of Transportation
- Margaret McCuaig-Boyd, Min of Energy
- COS Graham Mitchell
- Wildrose Caucus:
- Brian Jean, MLA, Leader of the Opposition
- Derek Fildebrandt, MLA
- Ron Orr, MLA
- Drew Barnes, MLA
- Tany Yao, MLA
- Dave Schneider, MLA
- Annie McKitrick + Kim Schreiner (NDP MLAs)
- David Swan, Lib MLA, Leader of AB Liberal Party
Nov 22-23 – MB reception and breakfast with caucus
On the night of Nov 22 and the morning of Nov 23 a contingent of PCA members, staff and CLAC staff met with dozens of elected officials in Manitoba, sharing the open and progressive construction message.
Evening reception – Nov 22:
- Among the over 150 attendees – mostly municipal politicians – at the evening reception were Hon Ian Wishart, Minister of Infrastructure. While he could not stay, members of our contingent managed to talk with Premier Brian Pallister for about 15 minutes.
Breakfast meeting on Nov 23rd:
13 MLAs and one Minister, Blaine Pederson (Infrastructure) joined us for breakfast and an hour long discussion
- Min Blaine Pederson – Midland – Infrastructure
- Cliff Graydon – Emerson – Whip
- Scott Johnston – St. James
- Derek Johnson – Interlake
- Dennis Smook – LaVerendrye
- Greg Nesbitt – Riding Mountain
- Colleen Mayer – St. Vital
- Reg Helwer – Brandon West
- Jon Reyes – St. Norbert
- Rick Wowchuk – Swan River
- Jeff Wharton – Gimli
- James Teitsma – Radisson
- Blair Yakimoski – Transcona
- Brad Michalski – Dauphin