Alberta Legislature Day & Advocis Christmas Luncheon
Message from Mike Bibby, CFP, CLU, CHS
Advocacy Chair, Calgary Chapter
We had another great Annual Christmas Luncheon on Friday 5th December. The music by Bel Canto Strings really made it a relaxed sociable setting. Our guest speaker Alvin Law was very inspirational and we were able to present the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre a cheque for over $5,000. What a great way to spend an afternoon!
At the luncheon, our chapter president Andrew Thorburn mentioned the success of the Alberta Legislature Day held on November 19th. In particular, Bill 5 was introduced the very same day we were holding our Advocis Day. Bill 5 is an Act to reform the Alberta Capital Markets and in it is an amendment to The Securities Act, to allow advisor incorporation. One guest at my table commented ‘Advocis is doing a lot for our industry aren’t they? I guess I should become a member’ to which my response was ‘Yes, I’ll take care of that for you’!
I would like to add to Andrew’s comments on the discussions with prominent MLAs that took place with the Advocis members just like yourself. Here is my experience on November 19th:
After a busy day at the office, I drove up to Edmonton where Advocis had a room booked for me at the Matrix Hotel – a block away from Jasper Ave. and a stone’s throw from the Alberta Legislature Building. It made a difference that Advocis had paid for the Hotel stay and I could focus on objectives for the day ahead (as well as network with fellow Advocis members).
I am always impressed at how we start the morning. It is well organized with information packs ready for us to use and refer to. Robert McCullagh and Kelly Smith (Alberta PAC co-chairs) first outline the day’s events and takeaways. The key messages for Alberta MLAs are summarized, and additional information such as the document on Sound Advice for Alberta’s Households, Economy and Government (please follow the link below to read), and the latest PwC study on Canadian Businesses – Sound Advice, are all contained in the information pack.
Peter Tzanetakis (Vice President, Government and Corporate Relations) really made us comfortable with how to have a discussion with our MLAs. It takes a lot of pressure and uncertainty away on how that conversation would go. Plus, there are lots of Advocis members and executive management from the National office present at our briefing breakfast at the Matrix Hotel with experience in talking to MLAs - so if members still don’t feel comfortable ‘going it alone’ to a meeting with their MLA, there is someone willing and experienced to join you.
We are encouraged to meet with our MLAs at their local constituency offices, and build good relations over the course of the year. An important area that I was reminded of is being nonpartisan and the importance of conveying the message of The Value of Financial Advice and Raising the Professional Bar. It doesn’t matter what political stripe your MLA is – the message is still the same – we provide incredible value to Albertans and the economy.
Walking down to the Legislature Building together, taking a group photo, and then being inside the Legislative Assembly with Advocis formally being recognized by the Hon. Robin Campbell, gave me and I’m sure all Advocis members present, a great sense of pride and belonging.
The evening reception at the Royal Glenora Club attracted more than 20 MLAs. I found it a rare opportunity to mix and mingle with MLAs and learn about some of their challenges as well as educate them in a relaxed environment about the work we do for Albertans on main street and the differences we make.
So, if you were hesitant about participating in the Legislative Day, I urge you for 2015 to come on up to Edmonton and have a great experience! You will love the sense of belonging and making a difference to our industry and our Association that we often don’t experience in our day to day lives!
For more information on the Legislature Day please follow: http://link.advocis.ca/email/politicalPulse/PoliticalPulseDecember2014-E...
The document Sound Advice for Alberta’s Households, Economy and Government can be found at: http://www.advocis.ca/secure/govt-relations/Alberta/Alberta-Legislative-...
Have a wonderful Christmas and Prosperous New Year,
Mike Bibby, CFP, CLU, CHS
Advocacy Chair, Calgary Chapter
