Advocacy Committee

Mandate

The Advocacy Committee shall enable the chamber to play an active
role in economic development by:

1. Influencing policy development at all levels of government

2. Advocating on issues that affect the business community

3. Developing policy recommendations/resolutions for consideration by the Ontario and Canadian Chambers of Commerce

Once policy issues have been identified, background information and potential impacts upon business or the community as a whole are prepared for the review of the Advocacy Committee.

The committee may:

a) Determine the issue is not one which the chamber should address

b) Identify a possible position and forward a recommendation to the Board of Directors

c) Determine more information is required and identify potential sources of this information

d) Strike a task force or ad hoc committee to review the issue in more depth before development of a position for the review of the Board.

The level and amount of advocacy work required will depend upon the urgency, gravity and potential impact of each issue addressed.

Some issues may simply require a letter of support, or communication with representatives of agencies or governments to address the issue.  Others may require use of additional tactics.

Still others may require the development of a policy resolution for the provincial or national chambers.  Major issues may require the development of an advocacy campaign using an assortment of tactics.

The Board of Directors must approve any policy position adopted by the chamber.

Advocacy Committee Members

Chair:  Gary Potts, Xstrata Nickel

Core Committee Members:
André Dumais, Synergy Controls
Nathan Falcioni, DiBrina Sure Group
Alex Gagnon, Levert Worksafe Services
David Harding, Nana’s Kettle Corn
Lois Lavoie, Gardewine North
Ryan Minor, Ryan Minor Professional Corp
Tracy Nutt, ServiceMaster of Sudbury
Darlene Palmer, Cambrian College
Scott Paterson, Elm Financial
Ene Querney, Evolve Again Consulting
Brenda Ranger, Levert Worksafe Services
Mark Weiman, Collins Barrow LLP

GSCC Staff Representatives:
Debbi M. Nicholson, President and CEO
Jonathan Laderoute, Policy and Communication Manager
Barbara Thibodeau, Operations Manager
Melanie Smith, Advocacy and Communications Co-ordinator