Public affairs departments at Canada’s major public relations firms are in full election mode despite the fact the 78-day federal election campaign is still in its early days.
They’re providing regular synopses of what’s happened and what’s expected to happen on the campaign trail, analyses and detailed policy information to clients seeking additional details.
“We have a lot of clients that are impacted by government decision-making,” says Chris Froggatt, managing partner at National Public Relations in Ottawa, explaining why the agency has decided to release a National Bulletin every Friday about the campaign.
The idea is to give clients a one-stop shop during the campaign that details issues, polling numbers and where the leaders are travelling.
“We have clients who can just take a look and see it all there. They don’t have to follow the news on a regular basis — all the relevant information will be there.”
More detailed policy is provided to clients who may want to see more than a generic bulletin, Froggatt says.
FleishmanHillard is also entering the race with its FH Poll Position, which promises “to keep a keen eye on the myriad of issues and personalities at play” over the next several weeks. “We’ll be monitoring party platforms and promises; we’ll be watching notable races across the country; we’ll be tracking and analyzing polling data, and we’ll be listening closely to what social media is saying.”
Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada has entered the fray as well with its H+K Insights every Friday.
“It’s sort of a synopsis of what’s transpired and what’s changed on the campaign trail,” says Elizabeth Roscoe, senior vice-president, national practice leader (public affairs) at Hill+Knowlton Strategies Canada in Ottawa.
H+K has also published a scene-setter post from CEO Goldie Hyder about the campaign and its Election Quarterback, last seen during the recent Alberta election campaign, is making a return.
The online tool allows people to enter the percentage of vote they think parties will obtain on a national or riding by riding basis. “It’s not in any way a scientific or statistically-weighted poll. It’s just really for politicos like myself. It’s kind of a fun tool to use.”
In addition, H+K is regularly briefing clients on candidates, policy development and digging deeper on what third parties are saying and their influence on the campaign. Third parties, such as healthcare organizations, unions and special interest groups “are very active during the campaign, so we’re watching those very carefully as well.”
After 10 years of an incumbent government, “there are a lot of voices out there that have ideas and are offering them up,” Roscoe says. “Our clients are very interested in what’s new and what’s different. “
Froggatt says it’s beneficial that PR firms are keeping track of election activities for clients. “So many industries and companies are impacted by government decision-making, so they’re curious to see what the impact is going to be on their various industries at the end of this thing. They want to be well-prepared, knowing party positions on certain issues that might impact them,” to ensure there are no surprises on election day.
