Citizens’ Influence on Government

Interest Groups  A group of citizens who try and influence government  E.g. – Greenpeace, Canadian Cancer Society, Amnesty International, Canadian Federation of Labour (don’t forget about the ‘dark side’ of the force: oil industry, tobacco companies, fast- food, alcohol, etc.)  Lobbyists: representatives of Interest groups  Meet with Cabinet Ministers, and/or parliamentary committees. They will present research findings and specific expertise in an attempt to  Interest groups also try to influence public opinion through advertising.

Mass Media  population are heavily influenced by this ‘agency’.  Newspapers and T.V. serve as the only form of information for many.  Media Concentration: most news is owned by Bell, Shaw, Rogers.  Canadians receive biased news, advertisements etc.

Protest Groups  use actions such as rallies, parades, marches, public demonstrations, and blockades to draw attention to their cause.  usually ‘peaceful assemblies’ (as outlined in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms)

Civil Disobedience  intentionally disobeying a law that one thinks is unjust  Principles: should not involve violence; directed against harmful laws  Clayoquot Sound (1993): blockades of logging roads to prevent clear-cut.  Teacher Strike (2005): B.C. teachers refused to go back to work until the provincial government honoured contract promises