The following were noted as barriers for not-for-profit groups:

1. Insecurity of continual funding.
2. Too many layers of bureaucrats to consult with when seeking assistance is a source of frustration.
3. The lack of priority placed on consulting with not-for-profit organizations regarding public policy is a challenge.
4. The federal and provincial governments seem to be working at cross-purposes sometimes. They don’t always have the same agenda and are seen by the voluntary sector as “playing off” against one another.

Participants at the meeting added the following commentary:

• Gather support from the community on as broad a basis as possible it is critical. Politicians are sensitive to ‘numbers’ and ‘sectors’ of people involved in issues. Collaborating with a number of groups is better in that you are more likely to present a shared message. Remember - government is approached by many, many groups and it hears similar and sometimes contradictory, competing or confusing information. Unless the groups collaborate the decision-makers are left to determine which ‘cause’ or group to respond to first, etc.
• Despite the fact that there are many paid government staff you will work with, policy making requires involvement of the politicians – so make it a priority to influence them. Both staff and politicians need to see your plan, several options, etc. Be creative in developing ideas to involve the politicians – find out what is on their current agenda – and try to figure out how and where your ideas fit.
• Be prepared beforehand, to handle any media efforts – whether initiated by you, or if you are approached by media. It may be that negative publicity causes more barriers to your success.
• Often government staff is restrained by policies and procedures in their work environment – take extra care to understand and to get them “on your side”.
• Share and research your issues among like organizations, etc. This develops more links and will keep you better informed.
• Develop as many partnerships and alliances as you can.

II ACHIEVED! Success Stories for Policy Change

Presented by Huberte Gautreau, Chairperson – Coalition for Pay Equity N.B.

The presentation began with an introduction of the history and development of the Coalition for Pay Equity. Initially, the Coalition began out of concern about violence against women. They soon reached a key challenge in trying to understand why so many women would often stay in abusive relationships, sometimes for life. The Coalition eventually understood that poverty seemed key to their reluctance to move on, so the Coalition chose to focus on pay equity as one piece of the very large poverty issue.

Their focus remains “equal pay for equal work”, and they continue to deliberate on what system for evaluation would be best adapted to New Brunswick. An example of job comparators/evaluation used in Ontario, is included as Appendix C.