PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
John Capobianco, President

It was so great to see many of you this week at PAAC's annual conference, the Art and Science of Public Affairs! As Canada celebrates its 150th anniversary of confederation, this conference provided public affairs professionals with an opportunity to reflect on how government relations has evolved and what the future looks like for our industry.

This year we've had another amazing line up of speakers. The day began with a workshop for attendees to discuss the problems and potential solutions to several issues currently impacting our industry. We then continued with a panel discussion where several experts shared practical lobbying tips.

There was a lot of buzz in the room at the award of distinction luncheon! Barbara Fox, CEO of Enterprise Canada received this year's award of distinction and gave a great acceptance speech.

The afternoon continued with an inspiring session featuring several accomplished women in public affairs. The pundits panel then looked at how media and covering public affairs has changed in recent history and forecast the future of the industry.
Steve Paikin gave a moving talk on the role Bill Davis played in the first 150 years of Canada, focusing on his indispensable role in repatriating the Canadian Constitution with an accompanying Charter of Rights and Freedoms. 

We wrapped up the day with our summer social! The atmosphere was incredibly fun and everyone had a chance to sip on some wine and network with their peers.

See the pictures on our Facebook page!

Thank you to all the speakers, moderators, conference organizers and attendees for making this event another successful one! See you on June 14 at the post-conservative elections discussion!
TOP NEWS & MUST READS
Ontario announces significant increase in minimum wage

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne has announced a plan to increase the provincial minimum wage to $15 an hour by Jan. 1, 2019. The increase would be phased in over the next 18 months, rising to $14 an hour on Jan. 1, 2018, and then to $15 the following January. 

Conservative Party of Canada announces its new leader

Andrew Scheer pulled off a stunning upset of the heavily favoured Maxime Bernier.  At 38 years old, Scheer remains the youngest House Speaker in Canadian history, and he's the first Speaker ever to become a party leader.

B.C. Liberals hold on to power in recent elections

The B.C. Liberals have retained their hold on power. B.C.'s minority situation has a unique property: The NDP and Greens enjoy a legislative majority of exactly one seat. New House speaker will be elected June 22.

Alberta Wildrose and PC Party join to create new party

Alberta's Wildrose Party and the province's Progressive Conservative Party have struck a preliminary merger agreement designed to unify the two right-leaning parties under a new banner dubbed the United Conservative Party.

Nova Scotia Liberals win re-election

Nova Scotia's Liberal government won a second straight majority victory early Wednesday, marking the first time the province has seen back-to-back majorities since 1988.

Member Content

Have any interesting insights to share? Have you recently written a public affairs related article or blog that your fellow PAAC members would benefit from reading? If so, we want to hear from you! Connect directly with Cristina Onosé, PAAC's Chair of Marketing & Communications 
Advocacy

Joint letter by PAAC and GRIC in response to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Consultation on Political Activities by Registered Charities. 

Welcome New Members

Nargis Khurram, Seneca College

Alina Oprea, Toronto Real Estate Board

Michael Scott, Michael G Scott & Associates Inc.

Upcoming Events

June 14

June 22

July 10

Housing Affordability Panel (Save the Date)
July 20

NAFTA: Understanding the Impact on Canada (Save the Date)

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Lois Marsh at 416-214-7837 or [email protected].

Public Affairs Association of Canada
Lois Marsh - Managing Director
lois @publicaffairs.ca | 416-214-7837 | www.publicaffairs.ca
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