A lobby group formulates a request and then withdraws, whereas we discuss issues with our partners and ask them to share our problems. We think that everyone should participate by proposing solutions.
A lobby group usually demands something of the government but does not sit down with it to identify better solutions, and does not ask for any collaboration.
Furthermore, we would like professionals like Dr. Fortier, government representatives like Donald DesRoches, people from the community and training specialists to participate. We feel that we can come up with more solutions if we work together than if we all wave our own flags, make suggestions and then go home.
The difference is an extremely important one. In my opinion, we have succeeded in reaching governments. I met with the health ministers of almost all the Maritime and western provinces, including British Columbia and Manitoba. The ministers appreciate this approach so much that they send officials to our networking committees to work with us in finding better strategies. This approach results in a much better outcome than sending letters and holding press conferences.