Civil Society Engagement G-8 Environment Ministers’ Meeting Sheila Risbud Environment Canada Prairie and Northern Region

Context n Canada as host of 2002 Summit was also host to related G-8 ministerial meetings n Ministerial meetings are organized by individual government departments n Environment Canada responsible for Environment Ministers’ Meeting

Context n Concern over escalating violence at international events n RCMP taking new approach to “activists”: –pre-negotiation with groups, changing relationships and achieving organizational change n Environment Canada has a history of engaging civil society

Banff: A unique setting n Small, close-knit community (not an urban setting) –dependent on tourism in G8 markets n Population concerned about security and compensation –level of risk and who pays n Located in a national park –history of business/environmentalist conflicts over restricted growth

Outreach Strategy n through a physical presence: –win support of local government, business and residents < proud, active hosts Vs passive spectators –engage environmental activists < early access to government officials < ongoing communications < participation in related activities

Outreach Activities n Stakeholder roundtable with Minister Anderson n Youth Forum run by a local environmental group n Participation in the Town’s G-8 Planning Committee n Town hall meetings n One-to-one discussions with stakeholders n Door-to-door to all businesses in potential risk areas n Local poster and essay contest with schools n Media relations

Successes n Participation in Town’s G-8 Committee –local leadership n Stakeholder roundtable –access to elected officials before the meeting n Youth Forum n “Greening” the meeting

Lessons Learned n Roundtable discussion with Minister should have happened earlier in process n Web-site not efficient method to distribute information n More involvement of local community in actual event n De-brief for groups involved after event

Application to future events n More civil society involvement in ministerial meetings : empowerment n Engage local communities n Active communications and involvement throughout process –improves understanding on both sides –may mitigate violent protests n “Greening” these meetings important n Would this strategy work in an urban centre?