They also have social, economic and cultural priorities which are often contradictory. Politicians are regularly forced to square the circle. Since the government's biggest short term priority is re-election, universities must place their demands within the context of public opinion. It is essential that governments know that demands by universities enjoy the support of a large segment of the population. If universities are the only ones defending their interests, that's not too impressive to a politician.
Public pressure is needed to convince politicians and the political bureaucracy.
Robert Rabinovitch, a member of McGill's board of governors, spoke next about effective lobbying. Rabinovitch, who held a number of positions, including deputy minister of communications, in the federal government over a period of 18 years, recalled that lobbying by universities was erratic and inconsistent throughout his years in government. I worked in the Cabinet office, in an official department that has a relationship with education. I can honestly tell you that I cannot remember once being lobbied by a university president or a university. We were lobbied from time to time by the AUCC, but it was what we call 'soft lobbying,' which is very non-directive.