The Advocacy Committee:
Appointed annually, and reporting to the Board of Directors, the EHCC Advocacy and Policy Committee will play a vital role in reviewing policy submissions from members of EHCC and making recommendations to delegates from this Chamber. In addition, it is the role of the Policy and Advocacy Committee to receive and search out issues that fall within the Advocacy Policy, and, in consideration of the Advocacy Policy, to make recommendations to the Board of Directors to deal with these issues. It shall be the responsibility of the Advocacy Committee to carry out such surveys or inquiries directly with the membership and the Board of Directors to determine the Committee’s activities.
Issue Filters:
It is evident that due to available resources, the EHCC may not be in a position to respond to all requests for action. Therefore, it shall be the policy of the Advocacy Committee to use the following filters to recommend to the Board of Directors if the issue should be dealt with by the EHCC.
- Does this issue fall within the mandate of the EHCC?
- Does the issue affect the wider business community?
- Does this issue affect a wider population?
- Is this an issue on which EHCC can have an impact given its available resources?
- Will action on this issue result in improving the region’s or provincial competitive advantage?
- Will taking a position on this issue demonstrate leadership in the business community?
- Will taking a position improve the business climate for our members?
Responding to Issues:
When an issue is determined relevant, the Board of Directors may request the Committee to consult all available research to ensure that an informed policy position is developed and recommended to the Board. The Board of Directors may allocate sufficient human and financial resources to the Committee to carry out its role. The Board of Directors are not compelled to take on every issue that comes to the table. In situations where inadequate information or research is available or it is impossible to respond in a timely manner, if it is not in the best interests of EHCC to form policy on the matter.