Advocacy Policy and Process

Submission to the committee

1. Any CBA member (the “Proponent”) can present an advocacy initiative (the “Proposal”) in writing identifying the priority and importance of the issue and the facts to be considered.
2. The Proposal must be submitted to the Committee for review.
3. The Committee will assign the Proposal to one of its members for review and presentation at the next Committee meeting (the “Presenter”).
4. The Presenter will review the Proposal and take into consideration the following factors (the “Factors”):
   • does the submission accurately reflect the law;
   • is it consistent with or compatible with existing CBA policies in Alberta and at the National level;
   • does it reflect the CBA’s commitment to the rule of law, the Charter, and fundamental human rights;
   • does it represent the range of interest in the topic amongst CBA membership;
   • have all aspects of the issue been canvassed thoroughly and considered in a balanced manner, and does the resulting conclusion either represent a consensus or acknowledge differing opinions;
   • is the submission expressed in language and in a form that will be understood by its intended audience and, in particular:
     • it describes the background and purpose;
     • it can be understood without reference to other documentation;
     • all conclusions are supported by clearly expressed reasons;
     • all conclusions and reasons are well supported by fact, law and policy;
     • tone is objective, avoiding a defensive or antagonistic approach; and
     • recommendations reflect constructive ways to improve.
5. The Presenter will present the Proposal to the Committee with its recommendations.
6. The Committee will vote on the Proposal for one of the following outcomes:
   • preliminary approval;
   • preliminary approval with conditions;
   • proposal returned to Proponent requesting more information; or
   • rejection.
7. The Presenter will contact the Proponent to report on the outcome.
8. If at any time during the review process, the Committee believes the Proposal may not align with the Factors and the Priorities but raises an issue which appears to be of value to CBA Alberta and its members:
   • the Committee may submit the Proposal to the Board of Directors of CBA Alberta (the “Board”) with specific questions for consideration; and
   • The Board shall review the Proposal and provide recommendations for the Committee to move forward with its review and approval process.
9. For clarity, once a Proposal is submitted to the Committee, CBA Alberta retains full and sole discretion regarding any decisions made in relation to the Proposal or any matters and/or issues relating to the Proposal for the purposes of this Policy, notwithstanding
   • That the Proponent may disagree with CBA Alberta’s advocacy position regarding the Proposal in whole or in part;
   • That the Proponent may no longer wish to participate in the advancement of the Proposal; or
   • That the Proponent may wish to withdraw the Proposal.
10. Notwithstanding Article 9, CBA Alberta will endeavour to consult with the Proponent and give due consideration to the Proponent’s opinions and/or wishes.
11. At any time, the Proponent may submit a written request to the Committee to remain anonymous in relation to the Proposal, in which case CBA Alberta will take all reasonable steps to maintain the anonymity of the Proponent in relation to the Proposal and any associated advocacy.