Testifying before parliamentary committees.

• Author: McInnes, David

David McInnes works in Ottawa in the government relations and public affairs fields. This article is an extract from a book to be published this fall by the University of Ottawa Press (in the collection sponsored by the Centre on Governance).

Witnesses, whether from the private or public sector, can face a daunting task in getting their message across to parliamentarians and in ensuring that their appearance before a standing committee of the House of Commons or Senate is a meaningful one. This article highlights the unique nature of parliamentary committees and then presents one tool for assisting prospective witnesses to prepare for their hearing.

Thousands of Canadians have testified before House of Commons and Senate standing committees. During Jean Chretien's tenure as prime minister, alone, well over 24,000 Canadians have pitched their views before various parliamentary committees. (1)

These committees link Canadians to their parliamentarians. There is really no other comparable forum for Canadians to have input on the legislative and policy-making process on a regular, formal and public basis.

Whether it is to present a case on a fact-finding enquiry or to be embroiled in debate on the merits or costs of clauses in a bill, committees enable Canadians to intersect the policy and legislative process. Parliamentary committees are also the place where members truly roll-up their sleeves to delve into the issues.

Of course, all public policy advisors would agree on one key point: that to influence the policy-making process its best to get in at the earliest stages. This confirms the importance of the constant flurry of departmental consultations, caucus briefings and private one-on-one meetings between parliamentarians and groups. Still, parliamentary committees are unmatched in channelling Canadians' views to government.

One researcher found that the House of Commons spends a surprisingly limited amount of time for debate on bills, an average of less than 8 hours per bill. (2) Standing committees, on the other hand, often devote dozens of hours to considering bills with individual Canadians, as witnesses, being at the focus of attention.

Witnesses must make the best of their testimony. They must get an edge over other groups which compete for the ear of the member. Expert witnesses are not necessarily expert communicators. While many preliminary steps are required to get ready, the following "last minute checklist", conducted just prior to appearing, might help you take your message to the Hill (see box).

When considering that most Members of Parliament are run off their feet by committee, constituency and House work, witnesses must ensure that members quickly grasp your key points. If messages do not resonate, groups can hardly expect members to carry their issues forward or propose amendments. Many witnesses have their work...