The Multilateral Agreement on Investment ( )

The MAI would directly affect your community. It would have a direct impact on your local government's ability to reflect and meet your needs. Making community leaders and local politicians aware of the MAI and getting them to state their opposition to the treaty is a key part of working to stop the MAI.

Most campaigns have a short-term and long-term strategy. In this case, the short-term goal could be to get municipal council to endorse an anti-MAI resolution; while the long-term goal may be to get your municipal leaders to carry the resolution to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and pass on the message to the provincial and federal governments. In both cases you are going to need community support to get it done.

Audiences, communities, coalitions

Look for coalition partners-trade unions, churches, child care advocates, education and health care organizations, professional associations, and, yes, even the Board of Trade or Chamber of Commerce. Combining forces can add credibility and strength to the campaign.

Lobby Guide

As you prepare to approach your municipal council, make the MAI a household issue in your community. Generate public interest with letters to the editor in your local paper, a local petition drive, perhaps an event and/or some media work (see box).

Here's how to make a presentation to your local government:

• Telephone the clerks office at your municipal government; introduce yourself and your organization. Tell the clerk you/your group would like to make a presentation to the council, if possible on an evening when the meeting is being taped for local cable TV. The clerk's office will probably tell you to write a letter asking for an opportunity to appear before council. In your letter make sure you specify the date you would like to appear.

• Prepare and review a short speech; practice your delivery (average time of about five minutes); make sure you inject some energy and excitement. (For additional information see The MAI and your Community: The Issues factsheet or contact the National Campaign office)

• The clerks office will confirm the date and ask that you submit a copy of your presentation at least a week before you are scheduled to appear; make sure you identify yourself and your group and make sure your group's name is on the report.

• Get your supporters out to the council meeting; by stacking the meeting you will increase the impact on council.

• Make sure the media is informed. (See above)

• Make sure your coalition partners are informed and present.

Evaluation and follow-up

Make sure you do an evaluation of the campaign. This will help in future campaigns.

Here are some tips:

• Do a short written report. Attach any media clippings.

• Check with your supporters. Try to build on any local alliances you have developed.

• Forward your information to the National Campaign office so that we can share it withothers!
  Also, contact us for follow-up strategies.

  Good luck!