GNWT Releases Public Engagement Employee Guide

Press Release

YELLOWKNIFE (March 12, 2019)—The Government of the Northwest Territories has released its employee guide to support a common and consistent approach to public engagement planning, implementation and reporting.

The Public Engagement Employee Guide reflects the best practices model created by the International Association of Public Participation (IAP2), which is an international association that seeks to promote and improve public engagement practice. The Guide also builds on the shared expertise and experience of GNWT employees.

The Guide provides a step-by-step process and tools that employees can use in planning their engagement activities which encourages a more consistent approach government-wide. It also allows for flexibility so that each government department can determine how the process can be adapted to meet their unique engagement needs.

Quote:

“Consistent public engagement is an important part of delivering on our commitment to Open Government. By developing policies, processes and guidelines to help GNWT employees engage in a more consistent way with NWT residents, we hope that more residents will meaningfully contribute ideas, insights, and expertise into government decision-making.”
-Louis Sebert, Minister Responsible for Public Engagement and Transparency

Quick Facts:

The Mandate of the Government of the Northwest Territories, 2016-2019, includes a number of commitments to increase transparency and accountability, including the development of an Open Government Policy (5.3.5). The GNWT Open Government Policy, released in March 2018, sets out actions and provides a forum for departments to work together to advance the GNWT’s commitment to the principles of Open Government in three key areas:
- the release of government-held information, such as information about government programs, publications, activities and spending (Open Information);
- the release of government-held data, such as datasets, facts, figures or statistics (Open Data); and
- meaningful engagement of residents, communities and organizations in government decision-making processes (Open Dialogue).