Welcome to Stakeholder Solutions
Stakeholder Solutions is about improving your relationships - or lack of them - with
governments, regulators, membership, industry, media or communities.
Simply stated, Stakeholder Solutions is about facilitating the
ability of stakeholders to find the most sustainable solution.
We use a variety of tools to achieve this - stakeholder
audits, workshops, but most importantly - just old fashioned sitting down and working
though issues with people.
If you want a "lobbyist", a "spin doctor", or "PR
person" - please seek these services elsewhere. Our work
is for clients who seek improved relations with their stakeholders,
which does not mean you will agree on everything or even much - only
that you will have greater certainty of how to most effectively
manage your relationship(s) going forward.
If you have a stakeholder situation and are genuinely motivated to
work towards a best practices resolution, then we perhaps we should
talk. At 52, I am only interested in projects where I can tell
my young daughter that I tried to make a difference for the world
she will inherit.
Stakeholder Solutions is George Paisiovich. We have a
roster of various consultants we collaborate with depending on what
is the right mix is for your needs. This low overhead
means we don't play the billable hours shell game, nor are we
motivated to stretch the work over longer period of time to cover
expenses. Just upfront, accountable - results driven.
In order to maintain our commitment to personalized dedication to our clients,
our clientele is select and limited, though we are always open to
new adventures we can believe in. If
you would like us to consider your organization, please contact us.
Stakeholder Solutions
1235
Fairview Street, Suite 347
Burlington, Ontario Canada L7S 2K9
Phone: (905)
319-0079
Fax: (905)
319-3780
E-mail:
GetResults@stakeholdersolutions.com
George Paisiovich, Principal
George Paisiovich started his public policy
experience in the House of Commons in 1976 as Special Assistant to
the Chief Opposition Whip.
In the past 33 years he has served as Chief of Staff
to Canada’s Minister of National Revenue, Customs & Excise, as well
as the Executive/ Special Assistant to eight Members of Parliament
and Member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in
Ottawa and Queen’s Park.
George has provided contractual assistance to
over 34 cabinet minister offices, the Office of the Premier of
Ontario, as well as numerous senior civil servant managers.
George's campaign experience includes campaigns across Canada,
national leadership campaigns, President Ford’s 1976 campaign, as
well as media relations during Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s
third election. As a campaign manager across Ontario (retired - we
repeat - retired), George had an 81% victory rate.
As President of StakeholderSolutions.com, George has worked
with organizations, municipalities, as well as every provincial
ministry in Ontario in developing stakeholder relations management
programs.
George's experience as a community facilitator is well established
across Ontario.
In recognition of George’s national and community service he
was awarded the Governor General’s Commemorative Medal of the 125th
Anniversary of the Canadian Confederation in 1992
George is a
frequently requested session leader on public policy communications,
stakeholder relations and crisis management.
What Others Say ...
disaster &
international
Services for the Canadian Red Cross
“As the Manager of Disaster & International Services for the
Canadian Red Cross, I have been exposed
to some of the best skills development resources available anywhere.
Given that, I have to say that after working with George, I have gained a
tremendous insight into the project management component of stakeholder
relations in times of crisis.
The proven management techniques to benchmark a situation and to rapidly
act on that knowledge continue to benefit our relationship with our
stakeholders. I highly recommend this experienced expert.”
Steven Armstrong, Manager of Disaster & International Services for the
Canadian Red Cross
Federal an d
Provincial Ethanol Agreements
George
was engaged by a major Canadian oil company to troubleshoot the process of
securing
a provincial ethanol manufacturers' agreement with a provincial
government, as well as to
re-negotiate the terms of the National
Biomass Ethanol Program (NBEP). Both
initiatives involved working with the offices of the Prime Minister, Privy
Council, Premier, Cabinet Office, Cabinet Committees and Ministers of
Agriculture, Finance, Energy, Environment, Natural
Resources, - as well as MPs, MPPs and industry
stakeholders. In the words of the lead Vice-President, "
You
did it !!! You absolutely lived up to your promise ! You inspire me.
Thank so very much. I’ll call you tomorrow to close the loop on some of
the last items. Seriously …. I’m so grateful to you. You’ve single
handedly made my Team look very good and more importantly, we’ve delivered
the goods !
Vice-President,
Suncor Energy Products
Ontario Government Stakeholder
Relations Program
 Stakeholder Solutions has worked with every ministry at least once in
developing a stakeholder program, including the development of the
information technology infrastructure for over 23,000 government
stakeholders. Stakeholder Solutions has regularly conducted a variety
of workshops and seminars for ministers’ staff on more effective
relationships with external stakeholders and developing internal
administrative protocols and best practices.
“George
Paisiovich was contracted by the Premier’s Office
to complete a government-wide analysis of the stakeholder relation
dynamics of Ministers’ offices; design an interim government-wide
stakeholder database to standardize the methodology used to respond to the
thousands of multi-ministerial stakeholders government; to incorporate
this knowledge into a series of workshops and best practices towards a
“one stakeholder – one government” response capacity.
George produced the most ground breaking work in the realm of government
stakeholder relations in Ontario, and probably Canada as well. I would
highly recommend this multi-disciplined stakeholder authority."
Louise Harris, Director,
Premier's Office of People and Team Development
Ontario Corn Producers Association
“At a time when the
relationship between the Ontario Corn Producers and the Ontario government
was at a bitter all time low, we brought
George Paisiovich
in to help us chart a new working relationship. George was a 24/7 source
of advice and encouragement as we crafted and implemented a cooperative
campaign which resulted in a 180 degree turn for the better in our
relationship. Literally within weeks we went from bitter isolation with
one minister, to freely calling the new minister at home on weekends.
Stakeholder Solutions communications and strategic services worked with
our board members to help us craft the right balance of cooperation and
advocacy both politically and within the civil service.
For any association facing crisis, serious change, or wanting to
grow their organization, I would strongly encourage them to engage this
innovative and results driven professional.”
Dennis Jack, Past President, Ontario Corn Producers Association
Increased safety while saving $millions
 “George Paisiovich saved Ontario’s greenhouse industry from a
pending regulatory requirement which was based upon a severe lack of
understanding of how our industry operates.
At the 11th hour we brought George in, he completely
revamped our industry’s approach to crafting a new regulatory
proposal in collaboration with trade, insurance and regulatory
representatives which would result in greater sustainable,
measurable and predictable safety for many years to come.
The fact that it saved the greenhouse industry millions of dollars
annually was also greatly appreciated.
What I respect most about George is that he could be thrown into the
middle of a technical issue he had no background in, and not only
effectively represent our interests, but also ensure that the other
stakeholders involved also came out ahead.
Recommend George Paisiovich? Highly,
completely, and with great appreciation.”
John Newland, TOGA – The Ontario Greenhouse Alliance
Former Mayor of Pelee
Island
"As
the former mayor of the Township of Pelee, I had the pleasure of working
with George Paisiovich, when our township was headed down a very dark
path, with no hope of change in sight.
George is a great listener, with a keen ability to
appreciate other people’s points of view. It wasn’t long before he
organized not only town hall meetings, but also organized and chaired
roundtables bringing together for the first and only times, diverse
interests - municipal council, Nature Conservancy of Canada, the
Conservation Authority, planners, engineers, Ministry officials from
Natural Resources, Transportation and Municipal Affairs, farmers,
sportsmen, developers, cottagers, and more – all around a common table
with a simple agenda of “what are each of us doing and how can we help
each other?”
If you are not open to a solution do not talk to
George, but if you put your faith in a totally honest man, and approach
things the way he says you will get a solution, which will make every
stakeholder happy.
While George and I have also had
healthy differences of opinion,
I have
worked with many people over my twenty-four years in politics, but there
is only one I would trust with my life and that is George.
Bill Krestel, former Mayor of the Township of Pelee
'ISLAND
GETTING 'NOWHERE' WITH PROVINCE"
Leamington Post
"Hires consultant to deal with environmental and ferry issues"
"There is an old saying that says you can't fight city hall.
It seems however on Pelee Island, that city hall, and the property owners
it represents, are taking a big fight to the provincial government.
Last spring the municipality engaged the services of a private company to
undertake what it believes to be a review of outstanding government
related issues..."
"We were getting nowhere and were tired of banging our heads against the
wall," bluntly said Pelee Island Mayor Bill Krestel. Krestel said
that hiring George Paisiovich is already proving to be successful.
"I think we are getting to the place where we want to be which is to build
up our tax base".
While the island awaits a visit from Ramsay, (Natural Resources Minister)
the municipal council has forwarded a letter to the Ministry of
Transportation, and Owen Sound Transportation Manger Susan Schrempf,
asking that Paisiovich be 'extended professional courtesy and
co-operation' as he undertakes a stakeholder audit which will form the
basis of a strategic transportation plan.
"Transportation is critical to the island's future." On his
web-site, Paisiovich thanks the Pelee Island residents for their
co-operation so far and also states that this process will help document
what the government does and what it bases its actions on.
"What we are trying to do is empower the community," said Paisiovich
MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES SUCCESS
"It was very perceptive of the
previous municipal council to understand the need for an outside
consultant to act as a liaison for all provincial ministries.
I know that you were instrumental in improved communications between
MNR staff and the islanders and also responsible for helping both to
understand roles, responsibilities and challenges.
As the representative for Pelee Quarries, you worked with many MNR
staff to resolve an outstanding OMB which led to the issuance of the
first ESA permit under the new ESA, 2007. This was a
very difficult and arduous process which was made easier by your
facilitation.
I have had the privilege of working with you and participating on
many tours which you have graciously arranged and hosted. I
commend you for providing a 'one window' liaison for my staff, for
your professionalism and integrity, and for your ability to add
clarity to difficult situations.
I believe that the current situation on Pelee Island is
significantly improved and that is due to your participation and
persistence.
Thank you again for assisting my staff and allowing us to have a
renewed relationship with landowners, the new municipal council and
industry partners."
Ray Bonenberg, Regional Director, Southern Region, Ontario Ministry
of Natural Resources
Globe & Mail
-
"Snakes and developers - A war between the province and Pelee Island
has finally ended, thanks to a new Endangered Species Act that
allows expanded development without sacrificing one of the world's
rarest reptiles."
 QUARRY
+ NCC + MNR = WIN-WIN - WIN
“After 17 years not being able to operate our quarry with a
Minister’s permit, I engaged George Paisiovich to help achieve a
collective agreement with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)
and environmental groups so that we could once again operate our
quarry on environmentally significant Pelee Island. George helped
drive a process which resulted in us playing an important role in
establishing new Endangered Species legislation; a fair price for
land exchanged; and a precedent setting land use management plan
which results in a net gain for the environment while allowing us to
once again make aggregate resources available for the island’s
infrastructure needs.
A quarry, MNR, Nature Conservancy and a local
community – working together for a more sustainable environment,
community and business after 17 years of polarizing conflict.
Imagine.
Facilitator, trouble-shooter, fixer – whatever, I highly recommend
George Paisiovich as a professional with the street smarts,
integrity and people skills to respect and accommodate the
stakeholders towards a larger collective gain, probably greater than
what they may have imagined originally.
J. Randall Koop, Erie Sand & Gravel
Nature Conservancy of
Canada
 "George was able to bring conservation and development interests
together on Pelee Island to create a win-win solution after years of
entrenched polarization amongst various interests.
The result was the
Nature Conservancy of Canada being able to advance our conservation
mission on Pelee, while bringing certainty, clarity and a new era of trust
between the conservation community, local island community and business
interests.
As a result, there has been a historical environmental net gain on the
island, and there is a movement of cooperation which is a model for other
challenged communities. Thanks George for everything you made happen."
James Duncan, Associate Vice President, Conservation, Ontario Region
FOR MORE ABOUT
THE PELEE ISLAND,
CLICK HERE
Red Cross Workers Pay Equity Crisis
 In the fall of 1998, the Ontario Division
of the Canadian Red Cross Homecare faced the tragic possibility that over
14,000 homecare providers would have to be laid off at Christmas time as
pay equity requirements on January 1st would virtually render the
organization unable to meet the massive +40% payroll increase. George was
brought in to help trouble shoot the crisis. Long story short - those
workers still kept their jobs, and Red Cross became designated as in
compliance with the Act.
"Thank you so much for the critical role you in developing and
implementing the strategic plan coordinating our non-profit organization,
a government regulator (Pay Equity), the union, elected officials and
ministry personnel and media and our clients. What a Christmas present
this has turned out to be!"
Allan Prowse, President, Red Cross, Ontario Division
TOGA -
The Ontario Greenhouse
Alliance
 The Ontario Greenhouse Alliance (TOGA) is
a new vehicle to bring together the historically silo operations of
various Ontario greenhouse industry stakeholders onto an equal playing
field to achieve those outcomes which they less effectively achieve by
their independent approaches. TOGA’s vision is to provide an
infrastructure and approach that will integrate all the current resources
and future potential of the Ontario greenhouse stakeholders into a
community and international marketplace presence, with the synergy and
standards to be a world leader in greenhouse operations.
"George
Paisiovich
was absolutely critical to TOGA coming together and getting $5 million in
start up money. Their passion and expertise in managing the stakeholder
relations of the industry and government into a mutual vision and
commitment was simply amazing. He has earned my trust and deep
appreciation."
Founding
Chair, TOGA, Cole Cacciavillani
Office of the Premier - People and
Team Development Branch
 George
Paisiovich was contracted by the Premier's Office to
undertake a series of stakeholder assessment workshops with
over 40 key provincial organizations. The outcome of these mutually
beneficial groundbreaking sessions resulted in improved conflict
resolution, identification of
going-forward best practices and healthier working relationships.
Canada's Largest
Ethanol Plant
As strategic advisor, George Paisiovich
was brought in to break the three year impasse of government support, and
develop a strategic plan to over come opposition, secured federal and
provincial guarantees.
"At a point where we had done the
huge community parades and demonstrations, and worn out pairs of shoes
visiting politicians, we were put in touch with
George Paisiovich.
Literally, within days George had put together a strategic plan which
incorporated a regional partnership of CFPL TV, OCPA, MP's, City of
Chatham, ag groups, renewable fuels groups and more, into a coordinated
plan which resulted in a one hour television program which re-positioned
our situation from one of corporate handout to that of rural economic
renewal and environmental friendliness. George followed up on this
renewed momentum with a government relations game plan which lead to our
long sought guaranteed protection from a change in government's excise tax
policy. This was the final piece for investors to give the ethanol plant
the green light. To top it off, George put together the arrangements for
Prime Minister Jean Chretien to officially open the plant. Bottom line -
George Paisiovich was one of the best investments we ever made.”
Doug MacKenzie, President,
Commercial Alcohols 1997
Macdonald Report on the future of
Ontario Hydro
Release of the Macdonald Report on the
future of Ontario Hydro.
Brought in to a challenging situation in the Minister’s office, George
over saw all aspects of the province-wide release of the Macdonald Report
including media and stakeholder relations.
At a
critical time in my ministry when we were weeks away from the launch of
the MacDonald Committee Report on the future of electricity in Ontario, I
brought in the highly recommended problem solver George Paisiovich
to “support” my ministry in this critical initiative.
George possesses an
incredible skill set which is as effective with the civil service, as it
is with the media and stakeholders. In the face of intense media
scrutiny, on an major issue of ground breaking public policy, where
powerful stakeholder interests were sharply divided, and with only weeks
to work in, George was able to chart a critical path which allowed us to
be one of the few, if not the only major electricity announcement which
was well received through the media in the past ten years or more.
I would encourage, as I
have, any organization to utilize this innovative, focused, and results
drive professional, who is an absolute pleasure to work with, and amazing
to watch in action.
Hon. Brenda Elliott, Former Minister of
Energy and Environment
" Just What The Hell Is going On In Ottawa?
"
“That
night I attended the first all-candidates debate and walked into a hostile
room filled with people wearing buttons for other candidates. Things did
not go well. When I got home, I told my wife I had just made a huge
mistake and went to bed.
The next morning
George Paisiovich
called me, offering help. That night we met, he signed on, and then
George disappeared for three harrowing days. When he finally came back he
presented his strategy, complete with organizational and activity charts,
volunteer recruitment kits and other papers with lots of empty boxes drawn
on them. He said he had it all figured out.
George was relentless, disciplining me, scheduling every minute of the
day, telling me who to call, where to go and even what to eat.
In the end, I won the nomination on the second ballot and convinced George
to stay on as my campaign manager for the general election. He did, and
with the same kind of open-access campaign, put together a team which
delivered 54.6% of the vote – the best showing for any Tory in
Ontario."
Hon. Garth Turner, MP, in his book, "Garth! Just What the
Hell is Going on in Ottawa?"
Indian-McGregor Creek Flooding
“In 1983, 17 of 18 municipalities, politicians and the Ministry of Natural
Resources, were all set to spent $millions to put a dam near the mouth of
Indian Creek. The only problem of course was that all the water from 17
miles of tiled, flat agricultural land would have no where to go except to
flood a bunch of us out. We had talked to the politicians, lawyers and
engineers until we were blue in the face, but no one would budge from
their unworkable plan.
Then we got introduced to young man who didn’t like wearing shoes, drove a
TR-6 sports car with a guitar and kites in the back of it all the time.
This guy we were told was our last great hope, which initially had us
thinking that we really were toast.
But they say you can’t always judge a book by its cover so we gave him a
chance, and soon he was hurting our heads with “cross relational charts”,
“critical decision paths” ,and the like.
Well, after a year of an absolutely fascinating experience to witness, we
ended up with 18 of 18 municipalities, the politicians and MNR all
agreeing to a different, better and more expensive project – which would
actually work.
So today, if you are ever in Chatham-Kent and see the Indian/McGregor
Creek Flood Control Scheme, you will see a project which ended a century
of problem flooding. And largely, though not exclusively, because of two
farmers, a principled Reeve, an engineer and a hippie strategist who
didn’t know that they couldn’t do what they did.
Whatever else he may be, George Paisiovich is certainly the most
innovative, persistent and enjoyable trouble-shooter I have ever had the
pleasure of knowing.”
Len Harwood,
Farmer Raleigh Township
"George was incredibly
innovative, self-schooled and experienced. I enjoyed being at the front
of the room, while he loved working the corners.
The man is brutally
honest, straight-forward and can irritate the hell our of me because he
refuses to hide other points of view even when he knows I don't want to
hear them.
But George has
consistently been a friend, putting the physical and emotional health of
Dorothy and I above the ceaseless demands of being an MP.
Best, he can make
me laugh, while making me wise."
Hon. Garth Turner, MP, in his book, "Garth! Just What the Hell is Going on
in Ottawa?"
Jewish
Parents for Equality in Education Funding
 Our mandate was to advocate for a monetary infusion of $40
million per year into Jewish Day Schools on a yearly basis. This meant a
venture into the political advocacy arena in support of public funding of
independent school's. Early on we were determined to succeed but had
little ability or resources available to us. It became apparent after 3
years of hard work and long hours, that our venture was in need of a small
boost. Of the many political contacts we were making and keeping, one name
kept cropping up as a good fit for our needs, that was Stakeholder
Solutions.
We made contact with George Paisiovich, and met to explain our
situation to what we would come to know as very receptive ears.
George
was very perceptive about our abilities and
shortcomings. They were able to make short and long term recommendations
as to how to best deal with these abilities in advancing our position.
Our fund raising efforts were greatly improved, and we had a
strategic business plan that we could easily live with.
George opened doors that we were unable to access on our own, they
provided support when we needed it, and were able to redirect us when new
and surprising events thrown at us.
The issue we were dealing with had been on many committee agendas
over a 5 year period. Non had found any success. Soon after meeting with
George, our funding was given form in a finance bill
presented to the Ontario Legislature.
I credit much of our success to the direction we were given by
George Paisiovich.
Robert
Samery, Chairperson, Jewish Parents for Equality in Education Funding
Bolton Enterprise 1988
"The former Financial Editor of the
Toronto Sun also enlisted the services of George Paisiovich as his
campaign advisor. As most of you know I have been allied with all
those so-called experts who ran the Big Blue Machine and I can tell you
the Atkins, the Camps and the Goodman's couldn't hold a candle to George
Paisiovich, he is that good." Columnist Leo
Beckett, Bolton Enterprise 1988
Ontario Greenhouse Industry Issues Resolution Study
 “In my role as the MPP for
Chatham-Kent, George Paisiovich was of tremendous value to me in
establishing a working relationship with the local greenhouse operators
and advancing their issues. The Minister’s exemption for boilers is but
one example where his counsel was critical.
When I was approached to undertake the Ontario Greenhouse Industry
Issues Resolution Study, he was first person I consulted before agreeing.
George was invaluable in assisting me in designing an approach criteria,
designing and implementing an on-line survey, and most importantly,
reviewing the mass of information in a variety of formats and helping to
merge them into a coherent position paper.
George’s passion and commitment to the greenhouse industry is contagious,
his insight is sound and imaginative, and his ability to take a mass of
disconnected facts and chart them into a critical path and plan is
impressive to witness.
In my opinion, George Paisiovich is the best investment the
Ontario
greenhouse industry could make in addressing the issues and challenges
that my report identified.
Jack Carroll, Author
Ontario Greenhouse Industry Issues Resolution Study
O' Canada Foundation
As strategic
advisor to the O' Canada foundation, George was instrumental in helping to
bring the vision of the revitalization of our national anthem by many of
Canada's leading musicians to Canada's 125th birthday celebrations on
Parliament hill, as well as a one hour CTV special.
If you have any questions,
please contact us at:
getresults@stakeholderSolutions.com
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