If your nonprofit has spent time determining a policy agenda, it’s time to develop an action plan. The development and implementation of an engagement strategy is often when the work becomes publicly visible. Choosing to make your policy priorities visible is a significant step for your nonprofit and should be approached in a coordinated and strategic manner.

Last week, Alexa Briggs, CCVO Manager, Policy & Research, was among 25 leaders in the nonprofit sector in Calgary who had the opportunity to meet with Premier Rachel Notley, the Clerk of the Executive Council, Marcia Nelsom, and senior staff from the Government of Alberta. Attendees were asked to reflect on trends in the sector, as well as the relationship with the government.

There are no step-by-step rules or established set of parameters that nonprofits can follow to ensure success when seeking public policy change. What we can do, though, is develop a policy agenda - a set of issues or problems aimed at gaining the attention of policymakers and decision-makers - sometimes known as the “policy ask”.

Last month, CCVO co-hosted a roundtable for nonprofits to learn about the proposed Common Good Retirement Plan for Canada’s nonprofit and charitable sector. The roundtable brought together an engaged group of nonprofit representatives who provided feedback and posed pertinent questions regarding the proposed retirement plan. The plan is meant to address the retirement saving needs of nonprofits of any size and sub-sector interested in enhancing retirement security for their employees.

The Newtonian Shift from Energy Futures Lab is a simulation that lets players experience decades of energy transition in one day; from fossil fuel-dependent to renewable energy-driven. Participants from various organizations and sectors gathered together for an intensive day of roleplaying to challenge the public narrative about energy. Through this simulation, they developed a broader understanding of emerging energy sources and the need to transition to a low-carbon energy system.

Before engaging in public policy advocacy, nonprofits should make sure they understand the rules and regulations around what they can and cannot do, so that they can engage with clarity and confidence. Knowing the rules can empower your nonprofit to lead and provoke important discussions about issues, raising much-needed awareness for these issues with politicians, decision-makers, and the public.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has shared proposed guidance documents that will help charities interpret the legislation related to public policy advocacy. This follows the recent proposed Income Tax Act (ITA) amendments by the Department of Finance. CCVO sees the proposed ITA amendments and accompanying guidance documents as good overall progress towards better supporting charities.

Not sure which government level does what? With the spring 2019 Provincial Election approaching, we’d like to share a refresher on the different levels of government, how the Alberta Government works, and how your nonprofit can effectively engage.

Nonprofits are intrinsically linked to the Alberta Government. Due to the pertinent role the government serves, CCVO has provided a refresher on how the Alberta Government works with the aim to elevate your understanding and assist in your engagement with the provincial government.

In a joint letter with Imagine Canada, CCVO responded to the proposed Income Tax Act amendments from the Department of Finance. While we recognize the significant steps taken to modernize the regulatory regime for registered charities, we note that the changes are only an initial step toward a broader review.