We've got a hunch your association's voice isn't being heard where decisions get made
Book A Free Strategy SessionMost government relations firms treat every client like an industry lobby. But if you're a professional association — and especially if you're a regulator — that posture undermines you. Your credibility with government rests on being the trusted, public-interest voice for your profession, not another supplicant with an ask.
That's how OED approaches advocacy: we start from what government needs to understand, not just what your members want to request. It's the difference between being heard once and being consulted for years.
Government relations roadmaps aligned to your strategic plan — built for provincial and federal engagement.
Identifying who actually shapes the files that matter to your profession — and how to reach them.
Facilitated engagement with elected officials and public servants, supported by briefing materials that translate your expertise into policy relevance.
Continuous tracking of legislative and regulatory developments — with plain-language alerts when government's agenda creates risk or opportunity.
Structured advocacy reporting written for volunteer boards and councils: what moved, what's next, what decisions you need to make.
Led by an APR-accredited practitioner: media relations and public narratives that make your government asks easier to grant.
pathways, decision-makers, strategic plan alignment
meetings, briefings, event presence
tracking + rapid plain-language alerts
governance-ready reporting to your board
A continuous cycle — refreshed as government moves. Not a one-time plan.
OED's principal, Mark Buzan, CAE, APR, began his career on Parliament Hill and has spent nearly three decades leading and advising professional associations. Today, OED holds the active federal government relations mandate for the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, and our advocacy work spans federal, provincial, and municipal government.
We understand volunteer governance, member accountability, and the discipline a professional body must maintain when it speaks to government — because we've reported to boards and councils our entire career. Fully bilingual services, English and French.
Through OED mandates and prior senior roles inside these organizations, Mark has led government relations for:
Book a free consulting call to discuss how your association can build the government relationships — and the public narrative — that move your priorities forward.
Book A Free Strategy Session