Our government procedures have been structured around rules of order and procedure—all with the noblest of intentions. Through this order, we can achieve a consistency of process and ensure that people and policy receive consistency in expectations and deliberation. An inconsistent process could easily lead to inequality.
Unfortunately, these processes have become overly complex to the point that only a student of politics may fully grasp them. Even the practitioners themselves, our councillors and legislators, often depend on administration to guide them—not in making decisions, but rather in wading through the procedural mire.
As a new councillor, I at first found myself more than once confused by the all the rules and requirements.
The policies we have in place are for the benefit of citizens, to ensure that their voices are fairly heard, honestly and transparently. But simply put, if our systems are confusing to those who work with them all the time, it’s no surprise that the general public finds them daunting.
Perhaps in the early years of parliamentary procedure, when the only “citizens” that counted were those of the educated upper class, the system worked well. Everyone who mattered understood how to work within the system to have their voices heard.
Today, how many of us understand how to properly and effectively get our voices heard beyond the ballot box? When it comes to provincial legislation, do we understand the processes around committees and the ways in which the public can speak out? Do we know what does and doesn’t require a public meeting on the municipal front? Do we understand the rules regarding a public hearing and what our options are?
Our collective ignorance (not stupidity) intimidates us, and this intimidation leads to frustration and a lack of participation. The systems that were designed to ensure that people have a voice now serve to keep people silent. Perhaps this is due partially to the way the system has evolved, and perhaps it’s also due partially to the public’s failure to stay educated on how it all works.
Recently, an editorial in another newspaper got people talking on social media about whether public council meeting should be recorded and broadcasted. In this golden age of technology, it would be very easy to record and even livestream meetings. When you consider the busy lives of the people who can’t make it to meetings in person, this seems like an obvious choice.
Yet the prospect of recording and streaming meetings isn’t without potential pitfalls. First and foremost, while this will allow more people to get educated about municipal decision-making, how many people will actually watch? CPAC does a great job of televising House of Commons and Senate debates, yet I suspect only a tiny number of political geeks ever tune our cable boxes to this channel.
If I’m a member of the public with strong enough feelings to attend a public hearing, I may find it intimidating just to register, rise, and speak my thoughts. Will the knowledge that I’m also being recorded add to my intimidation?
While we may need to look at changes to the way we currently do things, there are a number of mechanisms already in place for people to get involved—mechanisms which people may not be aware of. In regards to a public hearing, do you know that a properly written submission—not a social media rant—is considered with the same weight as an in-person presentation? Do you know that buried in the fineprint of those notices you get regarding meetings is instructions about accessing information and asking questions ahead of time?
Nothing will change if we just complain about things after a decision is already made. Nothing will change if we embrace complacency. Instead we need to educate ourselves about the ways in which we can guide and assist our leaders. Government and procedure must set the table, but we must sit down to eat.
Education is a two-way street—with a good teacher and a willing pupil. The ballot box isn’t the only way for us to make our voices heard. In fact, public input and engagement is required. Our leaders are thirsting for it.
