We used the Clarity principle in guiding our staff through the tenets of plain language: Conciseness, Lean language, image-evoking and specific, tight organization, you and your audience.

While the commission had its share of complex and complicated language that made the regulations more opaque, there were also some examples within the commission where the principle of plain language had taken root.

Communications Manager Michael Bernard, formerly a reporter for The Canadian Press, used the plain language habits he had picked up during 18 years at Canada's national news agency, and applied them to our news releases and annual reports.

Here's a paragraph Christine and her instructors lifted from our 1999-2000 annual report:

“Would you buy a car without visiting a dealership, driving it or knowing what kind of warranty comes with the car? Likely not. On the other hand, many people buy investments costing more than a car without asking the right questions and understanding the risks. Sometimes they buy investments from total strangers who claim it is a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” or a ‘guaranteed investment.’ Buying an investment is a lot like buying a car – you need to kick the tires!”

It is probably good practice for anyone facing the challenge of introducing plain language to an institution to build on whatever progress has been made.