Navigating Policy, Environment, and Leadership in Troubling Times

I'm launching this newsletter to share strategies and ideas that draw on over three decades of experience at the forefront of Canadian public policy transformation.

There are plenty of places to find rage bait, hot takes and instant analysis. This occasional newsletter will deliver carefully considered analysis that feeds into advocacy efforts – avoiding reactive commentary.

Drawing from my experience in politics, in the non-profit sector, and as Founder and Managing Partner of Pivot Strategic, I’ll explore the current environmental issues, but with a deeper look at the mechanisms moving policy and politics forward in Canada's complex and dynamic governance landscape.

Deep Understanding & Strategic Tactics

Environmental progress doesn't happen by accident. It requires a sophisticated understanding of governance systems and political priorities, policy depth on broader sustainability issues, and proven tactics for influencing decision-makers.

My goal is to equip you with frameworks and strategies that remain relevant no matter which party is in government or what crisis dominates the headlines. It's a trade war and tariffs today, but next month or next year it will be something else. Those standing in the way of environmental progress understand this truth, and adapt their advocacy to suit their agenda. We need to meet our challenges with the same understanding.

Navigating Multi-Level Governance

Environmental policy in Canada exists within a complex web of federal-provincial relations, international commitments, and of course local politics. Having co-authored "The Laws of Government”, established GreenPAC and lobbied for dozens of ENGOs, Indigenous organizations, philanthropic entities, and sustainable businesses, I've developed expertise in how these systems interact and where leverage points exist. In this new space online, I'll share my insights on navigating all these interlocking governance structures, including:

• What does the critical path through government look like for key environmental priorities

• How to engage provincial and municipal interests when pursuing federal policy

• How to leverage an organization’s grassroots campaign work into effective government relations strategies

Addressing Structural Challenges The first posting will take a second look at what has become gospel within the environmental movement: High Speed Rail. I’ll give you a contrarian’s take on the issue, with an alternative that I believe is more environmentally and politically viable.

Future posts will look at what environmental advocates need most to navigate the new Carney government, and what some of the key challenges and opportunities are as we grapple with fundamental shifts in how we build infrastructure, especially energy, transportation and housing.

Rather than tracking headlines, I'll focus on the structural implications of these changes and how environmental advocates can position themselves strategically for long-term influence.

Resources & Conversation

Each article will include durable resources: frameworks for policy analysis, strategic planning tools, and approaches I've refined throughout my career. These will help you develop environmental initiatives with staying power.

I invite you to share the specific challenges you're facing in advancing environmental priorities. Which governance structures create the most significant barriers? What lobbying approaches have you found most effective? Your questions will shape future editions as we build a community of practice around environmental policy advancement.

Join me in developing the strategic depth required for meaningful environmental progress in Canada. While the political landscape may shift, the fundamental principles of effective advocacy remain, and that is precisely what this newsletter will deliver. Tell your friends and colleagues to subscribe today!

-- Aaron