When Prime Minister Mulroney swept to power with a massive majority in the November 1984 election, the CFIB was well positioned with solid working relationships with all his senior Ministers. In particular, Michael Wilson, Minister of Finance and Flora MacDonald, Minister of Manpower and Immigration.
The first major event which essentially was political in nature, was to pull all the economic and social partners together in May 1985 at what was called a “National Economic Conference”. In the photo at the conference, we briefly discussed the PM’s concerns about the size of the public debt and the need to create more jobs.
As the Chairman at the conference, Mr. Mulroney asked me several times to answer questions about issues associated with job creation raised by participants. Everyone in Canada was aware of our research that showed the dominant role small firms play in creating jobs. It was apparent the Prime Minister was enormously skilled as a political leader. 
Shortly after the conference we met privately. , In the photo, I can be seen explaining the Mandate process and how we ensure we speak for the members. This is what we always had to do with new political leaders.
Our positions were of particular significance at the time because so many Mulroney initiatives were so controversial. For example, our members supported their Free Trade initiative but opposed their plan for a dual retail sales tax system.
At a Christmas function at 24 Sussex Drive, the official residence of the Prime Minister, Mary and I were received graciously by the Mulroney family and in the photo, are seen with their son Ben, who has since become a popular television personality. I was surprised that the Prime Minister asked about Peter and Martha, our two children. It is always interesting those you meet at these social functions, mainly the movers and shakers behind the scenes that the public never meet.
One of the fun appointments made by the Prime Minister was Andre Bissonnette, the Minister of State for Small Business. He had been asked, when the election was called, to stand as a candidate because they could not get anyone to run. He had been a small contributor to the local PC constituency. He did not even campaign, and to his surprise was not only elected, but given a Cabinet post. He said to me with great humour, "How can I serve as a Cabinet Minister? I've got a chicken farm to run."
Organizations that are member directed are a rarity. Most governments expect loyalty from insiders. The first thing CFIB leaders do then and now when there is a new government is to spend quality time explaining how we build consensus within our membership. The PMO under the previous Liberal government could never figure this out. If we spoke critically, they would take me off the State Dinner list. If we spoke in a complementary manner, I would go back on the list.