The CDA delegation had meetings with the prime minister’s office, the finance minister’s office, the health minister’s office, the privy council office, and the office of the leader of the opposition, among others. This year, CDA also set up a booth in the lobby of Wellington Building, where many committee meetings are held, to engage with an even greater number of MPs and staff. “Our Days on the Hill was a huge success with many positive outcomes. We made sure that Canada’s dentists were represented, and their concerns known to key federal decision makers,” says Lucas Veiga, head of government relations and policy at CDA. “This year, we innovated and organized a display at one of parliament’s busiest buildings, which helped increase our reach and engagement with MPs beyond traditional meetings. My personal highlight was our meeting in the prime minister’s office with one of Trudeau’s top senior advisors. We even had to lock our phones in a box before entering the meeting room.” “The event gave us an incredible opportunity to build and strengthen relationships with key decision-makers,” says Taylor Provak, government relations strategist at CDA. “Through high-level meetings, we raised pressing issues affecting dentistry, including human resource shortages Days on the Hill was a huge success with many positive outcomes. We made sure that Canada’s dentists were represented, and their concerns known to key federal decision makers. and the growing concern of de-insurance. This event allowed us to educate parliamentarians on the challenges impacting our profession and advocate directly on behalf of Canadian dentists. We’re grateful for the chance to make a meaningful impact and to continue representing the voice of dentistry at the national level.” “It was a busy round of meeting with Canadian government cabinet ministers, MPs and senior staff members across the full political spectrum. It was tiring but I know it was time well spent,” says Dr. Joel Antel, CDA president. “The event is an important opportunity for an exchange of information on the many issues that affect our profession.” (L. to r.): Lucas Veiga, head of government relations and policy at CDA, Dr. Aaron Burry, CDA CEO, Dr. Kirk Preston, CDA vice-president, Dr. Joel Antel, CDA president, and the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement. 10 | 2024 | Issue 6 CDA atWork
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