Advocacy is the act of publicly supporting, recommending, or arguing in favour of a particular cause, policy, or group of people. In the context of Canadian government, advocacy often refers to efforts by organizations, associations, or individuals to influence government decisions. Municipal associations like the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) advocate to federal and provincial governments for more funding, better policies, or regulatory changes that benefit cities and towns. Citizen advocacy groups might push for environmental protections, healthcare improvements, or changes to laws. While lobbying (paid advocacy by companies or interest groups) is regulated, general advocacy by citizens and non-profit organizations is a fundamental part of democratic participation.