What is Government Relations?

In Canada, having free and open access to government officials is a fundamental part of the democratic process. It allows citizens to play a role in shaping public policy, and it helps keep elected and public officials accountable for their decisions.

But whether you are an individual, a small business owner, or the CEO of a large organization, navigating the political landscape can be daunting. That’s where a government relations (GR) firm like Pathway Group can help.

At its heart, GR facilitates communication between citizens and the federal, provincial, and municipal governments. Sometimes called lobbying, GR is regulated by the Office of the Integrity Commissioner. It is recognized as legitimate way for the public, organizations, and interest groups to have their voices heard at the highest levels.

And if you are a business owner working in an industry impacted by government regulations, having a GR firm in your corner can help you survive and thrive in an increasingly-regulated world.

Government Relations is about education

Elected and public officials may have limited understanding of the industry their policy decisions impact. And industry leaders and interest groups may be unsure of the policy-making process and how best to communicate with officials and the general public.

Government relations professionals can help bridge that gap.

The team at Pathways Group has more than 100 years of combined service and experience in strategic communications, stakeholder relations, public policy, and public relations.  We have run successful political campaigns representing all major political parties, and have a solid mix of political and civil service experience at all levels of government.

What can Pathway Group do for me?

Rooted in the practice of Ethical Advocacy, Pathway Group can help facilitate a two-way dialogue and help you navigate the political process.  We believe in building long-term relationships between our clients and the government, and in building strategy that approaches problem-solving from multiple directions. Our goal is to find win-win solutions that work for our clients, and the government.

Our GR services include:

• Public policy analysis and advice
• Developing strategies and policy options
• Monitoring legislative affairs
• Industry-specific intelligence gathering
• Identifying funding mechanisms
• Broad-based awareness campaigns and grassroots advocacy

As GR professionals, we are here to help you navigate today’s complex political environment. If you’d like to learn more about how government relations can help you continue to run your business or organization successfully in a rapidly-changing world, contact us today.