Executive Council
August 15, 2014
Engaging and Connecting with Residents
Public Input Sought on Open Government Initiative
The Provincial Government today announced the schedule of public engagement sessions for the Open Government Initiative. Launched in March, the initiative’s early focus has featured online engagement and stakeholder sessions designed to improve access to information and data, as well as provide people with new opportunities to shape policy and decision-making in government.
“We believe in the value of asking the people of the province for their input to assist us in making important decisions regarding the programs, policies and services that affect their daily lives. By encouraging meaningful discussions across the province through the upcoming Open Government engagement sessions, we will ask how the Provincial Government can strengthen collaboration across all sectors, provide higher quality data and information, and help residents of Newfoundland and Labrador share their ideas and insights.”
- The Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
Public engagement sessions will begin on September 8 and will be held in nine locations across the province. A complete schedule for the sessions is provided in the backgrounder below.
Approximately 420 people have participated in the Open Government Initiative stakeholder sessions to date, including Rural Secretariat Regional Councils, business, community groups, municipalities, Memorial University, College of the North Atlantic, and Provincial Government employees in St. John’s, Clarenville, Gander, Corner Brook and Grand Falls-Windsor. Input received from these sessions is posted online at //www.open.gov.nl.ca.
As part of the engagement process to inform Newfoundland and Labrador’s first Open Government Action Plan, residents are also encouraged to participate in two new online questionnaires. Completed questionnaires should be submitted by August 31, 2014.
“Since launching the Open Government Initiative, the Office of Public Engagement has worked closely with government departments to release more information, post proactive disclosures on our Open Government webpage and improve timelines for responding to requests for information. Now, through the upcoming public engagement sessions and online questionnaires, there is a tremendous opportunity for people across the province to have their say.”
- The Honourable Sandy Collins, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement
To register or learn more about the upcoming public engagement sessions, please visit //www.open.gov.nl.ca, email ope@gov.nl.ca, or call 1-877-895-8891 (toll-free).
QUICK FACTS-
The Provincial Government today announced upcoming province-wide public engagement sessions beginning September 8.
- A complete schedule for the sessions is provided in the backgrounder below.
- To develop an Open Government Action Plan, the Provincial Government has committed to involving residents through a comprehensive public engagement process.
- As part of the engagement process, residents are also encouraged to participate in two online questionnaires.
- Join in the conversation with government through Twitter @OPE_GovNL.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
Milly Brown Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3570 millybrown@gov.nl.ca |
Kevin Guest Press Secretary Office of the Premier 709-729-4304, 730-2320 kevinjguest@gov.nl.ca |
Kip Bonnell Communications Manager Office of Public Engagement 709-729-1221, 687-9081 kbonnell@gov.nl.ca | |
BACKGROUNDER
Open Government Initiative Public Engagement Sessions
September 8 to October 2, 2014
Date | Location | Venue | Time |
Monday, September 8 | Glovertown | Alexander Bay Lions Club | 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
Wednesday, September 10 | Plum Point | Plum Point Motel | 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
Wednesday, September 10 | Clarenville | St. Jude Hotel | 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
Tuesday, September 16 | Corner Brook | Glynmill Inn | 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
Wednesday, September 17 | Stephenville | Days Inn | 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
Monday, September 22 | Marystown | Marystown Hotel | 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
Tuesday, September 23 | Grand Falls-Windsor | Mount Peyton Hotel | 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
Wednesday, September 24 | St. John’s | Capital Hotel | 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
Thursday, October 2 | Happy Valley-Goose Bay | Hotel North Two | 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. |
2014 08 15 9:25 a.m.