Executive Council
June 10, 2014
Engaging and Connecting With Residents
Open Government Initiative – Update on Progress and Next Steps
The Provincial Government today highlighted early accomplishments of the Open Government Initiative and provided an overview of the initiative’s next steps.
“Through this Open Government Initiative, we are changing the way we engage with residents across Newfoundland and Labrador. Since launching the initiative in March, we have been developing innovative ways for the people of the province to access information and provide input on issues that are important to them. When the people have more information, they are able to provide better input to government and that results in improved programs and services for everyone.”
- The Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
Early actions of the Open Government Initiative include completing a public engagement guide to help government do a better job of engaging the public in policy and decision-making, developing guidelines to assist departments with proactive disclosure of information and modernizing the access to information application process.
To develop an Open Government Action Plan, the Provincial Government has committed to involving residents and stakeholders through a comprehensive public engagement process. Sessions have been held with many of the Rural Secretariat Regional Councils and Provincial Government employees in St. John’s, Clarenville, Gander, Corner Brook and Grand Falls-Windsor. Input received will help inform public engagement sessions, scheduled to begin this summer, with stakeholders including business, community groups, municipalities, Memorial University and the College of the North Atlantic.
As part of the engagement process, residents are also encouraged to participate in a new “Have Your Say” online discussion form, inquire about upcoming events by email, ope@gov.nl.ca, or call 1-877-895-8891 (toll-free).
“The Provincial Government is determined to build on the early successes of the Open Government Initiative and create new partnerships where we can work together more effectively to realize even greater benefits for all. Through in-person and online engagement, we are seeking the input and ideas of residents to strengthen capacity within government and improve policies, programs and services.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement
Further details of early actions are provided in the Open Government Initiative framework, available at www.open.gov.nl.ca.
QUICK FACTS- The Provincial Government today provided an update on the Open Government Initiative.
- Early actions include completing a public engagement guide to help government do a better job of engaging the public in policy and decision-making, developing guidelines to assist departments with proactive disclosure of information and modernizing the access to information application process.
- To develop an Open Government Action Plan, the Provincial Government has committed to involving residents through a comprehensive public engagement process.
- Input received will inform public engagement sessions, scheduled to begin this summer.
- Residents are encouraged to participate in a new “Have Your Say” www.open.gov.nl.ca, inquire about upcoming events by email, ope@gov.nl.ca, or call 1-877-895-8891 (toll-free).
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Media contacts:
| Milly Brown Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3960 MillyBrown@gov.nl.ca |
Kip Bonnell Communications Manager Office of Public Engagement 709-729-1221, 687-9081 kbonnell@gov.nl.ca |
2014 06 10 10:40 a.m.