Media Relations, Government Relations, Strategic Communications
Challenge
While the federal government was quick to roll out economic protections for Canadians in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, children and children’s healthcare did not receive the same attention. Children’s Healthcare Canada (CHC) wanted to create a national conversation about children’s healthcare and advocate for the federal government to make children a priority in Canada’s COVID-19 recovery plan.
Our Role
Syntax Strategic deployed a multi-pronged media outreach strategy targeting regional and national media, including the placement of opinion editorials, the development of shareable assets, and the commissioning of national opinion polling, all of which resulted in significant national coverage. We arranged a meeting with the federal Minister of Health, resulting in an ongoing working relationship, and established ties with the Prime Minister’s Office. Syntax continues to offer CHC government relations and strategic communications support, assisting CHC with pre-budget submissions for the federal government and helping with submissions to several standing committees.
Impact
Children’s Healthcare Canada has established a reputation as an important stakeholder and valued advocate around children’s health in Canada, as well as a respected source for informed and impactful messaging about issues related to kids and healthcare. The organization is widely quoted in national media in relation to kids’ healthcare and continues to release data and promote conversations which are impacting the development of public policy in Canada. In February 2023, Syntax helped CHC secure $2 billion in the Canada Health Transfer renegotiation for an immediate top-up of the Canadian Health Transfer to alleviate pressures in pediatric hospitals, emergency rooms, and operating rooms.