Democracy Between Elections Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. May 28, 2015

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources Political Tactics or Tools for Enhancing Democracy? Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. Rx: Genuine Motivation Good Politics ? Good Policy ? BOTH ???

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. “Good public policy is developed when the policy-makers can keep in their mind’s eye the people affected” - Jane Jacobs

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. Once a family doctor, always….. Patient as Partner Ask people what’s wrong and listen, together develop a plan Patient knew their body best, Doctor knows the system best

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources Citizens & the Elected Representative Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. One of the cornerstones of democracy has been to provide public ‘spaces’ in which citizens can discuss ideas The web provides a new and important ‘space’ This can change the notion of “representative democracy” 2+2=5 Democracy between elections…

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources Attitude Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. BE GENUINE Truly believe that you get better public policy and more relevant and responsive programs, better laws, budgets that achieve better value for money Indigenous Leadership: “asking not telling” Leader vs. Boss Feminist Inclusive Leadership Authenticity matters…

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources Objective: Good Government Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. Good government: is fair transparent takes people seriously -Ursula Franklin

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources Steps to Success Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. 1. Group sourcing bright ideas 2. Tapping into expertise and lived experience

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources E-Democracy Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. One of the cornerstones of democracy has been to provide public ‘spaces’ in which citizens can discuss ideas The web provides a new and important ‘space’ This can change the notion of “representative democracy” “People don’t want to govern they want to be heard.” “Civic efficacy” “Two-way accountability” - Stephen Coleman Professor of e-democracy Leeds University

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources Citizens as Partners Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. OECD Report: Citizen as Partner in Policy Making, 2001 Key Recommendations Information Consultation Participation Cynicism

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources Legitimacy, Cynicism and Voter Turnout Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. Timing ‘Assured Listening’ – EKOS Tracking Successes / Feedback processes Fighting cynicism AND voter suppression Election YearVoter Turnout (%)

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources Open Parliament Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. TRANCPARENCY

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources Strengthening Democracy Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. Empowering MPs Strengthening Democracy 1.MPs in the riding 2.MPs in their non- geographic constituencies, opposition critics 3.MPs as Parliamentary committee members 4.MPs in collaboration with government 5.MPs as Political Party members 6.MP’s supporting MP’s internationally

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources MPs in the Riding Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. St. Paul’s Model Newsletters Neighbourhood check-ups - 17 ‘natural’ Town Halls, Roundtables, Parliamentary Clinics Tabulation Schools Grade 5 – Canadian Govt Grade 10 – Civics (compulsory) Website – Content hub, interactive Facebook chat weekly Twitter #stpauls

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. Website = Hub

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P.

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. Facebook: Weekly Public Chat

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. Twitter

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources MPs in their Non-Geographic Constituencies Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. Health reform Women’s issues Disability issues Gay rights Arts and Culture Critic Activities: Aboriginal Affairs

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. Critic Activities Seniors e-summit – June 12 th 2008 Use technology to access non-geographic constituents I.E. Seniors Able to have grass roots discussion with Canadians across the country

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources MPs as Parliamentary Committee Members Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P.

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources MPs in Collaboration with Government Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P.

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources MPs as Party Members Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. Policy Process on Separate sites for riding associations

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources MPs Supporting Each Other Internationally Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. Best practices in legislation Personal support Complementary: Interparliamentary Union, Commonwealth Policy Association, etc.

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. Empowering MPs Empowering Citizens – Why? Better public policy – unusual coalitions presenting real solutions Better legislation, better implementation Better scrutiny – what questions to ask Better relationships between citizens and their representatives Ultimate goal: a more robust democracy !! Great people will run, citizens will vote

Democracy Between Elections: Tools and Resources It’s Good for Your Health Hon. Carolyn Bennett, M.D., M.P. “Physical and mental energy come from feeling in control of your life, having real choices, and being involved with others to find ways of organizing change for the better.” - Barbara Rogers