The National Assembly's Citizen Round Table: A Tool for Boosting Citizen Participation in Parliamentary Proceedings and Activities.

• Author: Paradis, Francois

The Citizen Round Table was an innovative consultation on ways to facilitate Quebecers' participation in parliamentary proceedings and activities. Tying directly into the parliamentary reform launched during the 42nd Legislature, the Citizen Round Table was designed to inform parliamentary thought on mechanisms for public participation at the National Assembly, both current mechanisms and those desired by the public. In this article, the author outlines how the Citizen Round Table was formed, some of the suggestions that arose from it, and how the National Assembly has already been responsive to implementing some of its recommendations. This article is an expanded version of the text "The National Assembly of Quebec's Citizen Round Table: Boosting Quebecers' Participation in Parliamentary Proceedings and Activities", which appeared in The Parliamentarian: Canada Profile, 2022: Issue Two Supplement, pp. 10-12.

Our system of parliamentary democracy is based on representing our constituents and expressing their hopes and concerns. That is one of our principal roles when we are elected, alongside our role as legislators.

Our citizens' confidence in us cannot rely solely on the possibility of them having their say at an election every four years. Transparency and openness are principles that are vital to remaining in constant touch with the population and to enabling real dialogue. The various mechanisms of public participation therefore have a role to play in informing us and providing input to our work as parliamentarians.

Public expectations towards all levels of government have much changed in recent years. We see a desire among our fellow citizens to participate more, to express themselves and to have exchanges with decision makers. Elected officials and Parliament have a role to play in implementing conditions that encourage such citizen participation.

As the President of the National Assembly, it has been my privilege to direct a Parliament that is mindful of maintaining this connection to the public. Having a Parliament that is open to the public tops our list of general policies, and our actions are a testament to our commitment in this regard.

Even though the National Assembly is an instantly recognizable landmark at the very heart of the city of Quebec, the public still has to make it its own.

Ever since the visitor pavilion opened in 2019, the National Assembly has been finding new ways to bring Quebecers closer to their institutions. This new, decidedly modern pavilion has led to a whole new visitor experience.

Our spaces are now home to a myriad of different activities for the public. Concerts, conferences, screenings, exhibitions and interactive workshops breathe new life into the parliamentary routine, and help people discover our emblematic institution. The National Assembly is now a partner in its community, available to everyone, and becoming a place everyone wants to see and experience!

This concern for inclusion and openness has also filtered into parliamentary activities and proceedings. The Assembly carries traditions that are hundreds of years old, but it is also aware of how important it is to adapt to its time.

At a time when disinformation is casting doubt on the legitimacy of democratic institutions, parliamentarians are asking how to modernize their practices. The parliamentary reform process undertaken during the 42nd Legislature is intended not only to make parliamentary proceedings more effective, but also to meet the public's expectations.

This is why the Assembly recently held focus groups to gain a better understanding of people's democratic needs and aspirations--so that the knowledge gleaned could be incorporated into reflection on the ongoing evolution of Quebec parliamentarianism. The Citizen Round Table was one of the inclusive undertakings designed to bring Parliament closer to the people by starting a dialogue.

The Citizen Round Table: an innovation

The Citizen Round Table was an innovative consultation on ways to facilitate Quebecers' participation in parliamentary proceedings and activities. Tying directly into the parliamentary reform launched during the 42nd Legislature, the Citizen Round Table was designed to inform parliamentary thought on mechanisms for public participation at the National Assembly, both current mechanisms and those desired by the public.

In our view, citizen participation has many dimensions and is not limited to public consultations. We seek to approach it from a broad perspective.

It begins with education, the cornerstone of citizen empowerment prior...