The lobbyist in British Columbia in 1978
Date
1980
Authors
Vance, Kenneth C.
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Abstract
This thesis examines the place of the designated lobbyist in British Columbia's political system, within the context of a communication framework. It examines his role from the perspectives of the lobbyist, the interĀest group on whose behalf he is employed, and the government. Initially, it reviews the relevant literature concerning these lobbyists - as they are found elsewhere in Canada and the United States. Out of this survey of the literature emerges an underlying hypothesis which is explored throughout the thesis. This is to the effect that the lobbyist in British Columbia can be expected to act primarily as a communication link - as do his counterparts elsewhere, notwithstanding the differences between this province's political system and others on this continent. The conclusion which emerges from this study is that the lobbyist in British Columbia does act as a communication link as suggested in the hypothesis. Furthermore, a second hypothesis, which is implicit throughout the thesis, suggests that there are constraints on the lobbyist's role in British Columbia which contribute to and shape the lobbyist's behaviour as a communication facilitator. The dissertation examines the impact of the interest groups concerned - their objectives, their size, and their resources - on the role of the lobbyist. In addition, it explores the effect of the political and institutional environment in British Columbia on the lobbyist's role. More precisely the thesis examines the effect of the parliamentary structure of government and the associated policy-making process on the performance of the lobbyist in this province in the calendar year 1978.
Overall, the lobbyist in British Columbia emerges from this study as a communication facilitator binding key personnel in interest groups with those in the legislative and executive branches of government. The designated lobbyists in British Columbia, though few in number, in performing this function have served to strengthen our democratic system by ensuring greater input into and a better understanding of the policy-making process.