Barry

We’re all safely keeping our distance from… well, everyone. But thanks to video calling, so many things are still possible. 

Working from home? Check. 

Connecting with family? Check.

Hosting cocktail hour a little more often than ever before? Check.

And handing out awards for the year’s best in political advertising? Check.

We’re thrilled to announce that our collaborations with clients have won five honours at the Pollie Awards (aka the Oscars of political advertising).

Hosted by the American Association of Political Consultants, the Pollies were originally scheduled to be held in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the year’s best political creative advertising from across North America. But due to the ongoing pandemic, this year’s awards were announced earlier this month during the Pollies’ first-ever virtual ceremony.

The NOW team has a long record of Pollie wins and, this year, our clients have once again been recognized for excellence in five categories. 

Government of British Columbia – Retrofit

Gold Award for Television in the Public Affairs / Issue Advocacy Division, Statewide

Health Sciences Association of Alberta – Health Care Awareness

Silver Award for Best in Show, Overall, Public Affairs / Issue Advocacy Division

Canada’s NDP – Federal Election Campaign 2019

I’ve heard a lot of people saying, “we’re all in this together.”

And it’s true.

None of us is untouched by what’s happening across the country and around the world, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. We’re all worried about the health and safety of our loved ones, our co-workers, and the people in our communities. And from the NOW family to yours, we hope you are safe and healthy, wherever you are.

When people say we’re all in this together, it gives me hope. Because that sense of solidarity is exactly what we need to get through this crisis.

People are recognizing that we all count on frontline workers. From health care workers to grocery store clerks, cleaners to child care workers and so many more, working people are the heroes of this crisis. Many of our economy’s lowest-paid and hardest-working people are being seen and acknowledged, for the first time. It’s been a long time coming (just ask anyone who’s campaigned for a $15 minimum wage in recent years). Let’s carry that forward.

People are recognizing, in a deeper and clearer way, that the most essential things in life can’t be done alone, even at the best of times. That’s why we need universal public health care, great public schools, and strong public services in general. And now, more than ever, people see the importance of the services we’ve built together – and how cuts make it harder to respond to a crisis. Let’s remember to keep building and improving them so they’re always there when we need them.

People are also recognizing governments do have the capacity to help people. Public policy ideas – like boosting wages for workers, supporting the unemployed, and helping prevent homelessness when families are on the brink – were written off as impossible by too many people just weeks ago. Now, they are not only possible; they are necessary and urgent. The lesson is that governments can – and should – play a positive role in people’s lives. Let’s never let the politicians forget that.

And, now more than ever, people are recognizing that we all count on each other. Not just to respect public health directives, but to help everyone get through this. Whether it’s offering help to a neighbour, or cheering for health care workers from our front lawns and balconies, people have a desire to show that we’re in it together. It’s amazing to witness.

At a time when so many question marks are hanging over people’s livelihoods, that’s exactly what we need to do: show our solidarity. Because it’s our solidarity that will get us through this crisis, together. 

But I also worry.

Will every frontline worker get the proper protections to keep them safe? We all need to use whatever power we have to ensure that workers receive decent wages, protective equipment, and paid sick leave – now.

Will every government in Canada provide the supports that working people urgently need? We all need to speak up to ensure that support for working people is delivered fast and frequently throughout this crisis. 

Will COVID-19 be used as an excuse by governments to cut workers’ protections and ignore collective agreements? We need to organize to stop any government from using this crisis as a pretext to rip up the rights that workers have fought for, earned, and won.

And will our opponents argue that we need more private sector solutions to keep up with demand? That’s the wrong answer. Instead of cutting or privatizing, we need to invest in strong public services so they are always there when we need them most – no matter who we are, how much we earn or where we live. 

So while we all do our part to practice physical distancing, let’s not isolate ourselves from the needs of our communities and the people around us.

Now more than ever, we need to be there for each other. To keep our voices raised. And to not shut up, even though we’re shut in.

Because, after all, it’s true. We’re all in this together. 

If you’re feeling stressed about the future, you’re not alone.

From the impact of the climate crisis on our communities, to just paying the bills and making ends meet every month, there’s a lot to worry about. But taking action can help turn that worry into something positive and productive.

It’s the difference between being scared about the future – and working to help change it for the better.

The NOW team is thrilled to work with PSAC to create this ad and to help protect public services. Along with an incredible crew from our production partner, Play Creative, and an amazing photographer in Adam Reiland, we spent the final week of January filming in Whitehorse, Yellowknife, and Iqaluit. 

These are communities separated by 3,300 kilometres. But they’re connected by strong public services and thousands of dedicated public sector workers. And meeting these workers – the members of PSAC – was the highlight of our week.

We met a man who set up a food bank in his community’s school so that kids can help themselves to food on their way home – no questions asked. Because no one should ever have to ask for food.

We met firefighters whose gloves freeze almost instantly, when they turn on the hose to put out a blaze. 

And we met an Elder dressed in beautiful traditional clothing who lit the Qulliq, a traditional oil lamp, and welcomed us to her community. Like every family and Elder in the north, she relies on the services that public sector workers provide, day in and day out.

If you ever happen to forget why it’s so important to protect public services for today and tomorrow, just go meet a public service worker. Thank them for the work they’re doing. And tell them that you’ll help pressure our governments – municipal, provincial, territorial, and federal – to make their jobs better.

Whether you’re in a remote community in the north, or in downtown Toronto or Vancouver, you’ll meet the most amazing people. And you’ll know exactly why public services are worth fighting for – and worth protecting for the future.

Heather Fraser is President and CEO of The NOW Group.

The NOW Group and our clients’ campaigns are nominated for six Reed Awards

Roll out the red carpet!

It’s Oscars Sunday in Hollywood. And if you’re anything like us, you’re stocking up on snacks for the big show.

But there’s more to awards season than just the Oscars.

The NOW team is thrilled to be a finalist for six Reed Awards, including Best International Firm. The Reed Awards honour the best in political communications from the US and internationally, and this year’s awards will be handed out in Atlanta on February 20th.

Earning a designation as a Reed Award Finalist isn’t easy. Thousands of entries compete, but very few make the cut. So if you’re a Reed Awards Finalist, know you’re in good company.
– Shane D’Aprile, Co-Publisher, Campaigns & Elections

The NOW Group is pretty unique for an ad agency. Sure, we like trophies as much as anyone! But our work isn’t about us winning awards.

It’s about helping people win.

We work with incredible organizations to strengthen public services, protect working families, and build stronger communities. And when our work is nominated, the recognition belongs to all of our clients and partners across the country. They’re doing important work every day – and we’re honoured to help them reach, grow, and move their audiences.

Here’s just a taste of some of the work we did in 2019, as nominated by the Reed Awards.

Best International TV Advertisement – It Takes a Teacher – BCTF
Best International Online Video (Sub-National) – It Takes a Teacher – BCTF

Best Advocacy Advertising Campaign (Grassroots) – BCTF

“It Takes A Teacher” has a great message: Investing in kids and their teachers is crucial in an ever-changing world. We matched that message with superb performances and meticulous attention to sound design – including the memorable squeak of a shoe on the basketball court. We’re thrilled for BC Teachers’ that their campaign is nominated.

Best Canadian TV Advertisement – Moments – ETFO

Together, we created an ad that emphasizes the common ground between teachers and parents: The shared sense of responsibility for children. The impact of the ad relies on striking a genuine emotional chord – and this ad achieves it with first-rate, authentic performances and beautiful production values. It’s great to see ETFO’s ad nominated.

Best Canadian Use of Outdoor Advertising – Post-Secondary Sexual Violence Prevention – Government of British Columbia

These ads needed to be impossible to miss – because the message cannot be ignored. Sex without consent is rape. The posters have been displayed on campuses throughout the province, as well as in bars and clubs. The website on the posters, SafeCampusesBC.ca, directs users to an information hub where they can get help immediately, learn more, and spread the word.

Best International Firm – The NOW Group

For over 25 years, NOW has been creating winning campaigns for good causes. And we can’t wait to see what we create together in 2020. Together, let’s do some good!