1. Voices For Change
Chapter 8

2. How can individuals, groups, and associations within a community participate in the decision-making process regarding current events or issues?

3. Participating in the Decision Making Process
The functioning and success of our democratic system of government depends on everyone participating in the decision-making process.
Individuals, groups and associations can make valuable contributions toward improving conditions in local communities and in other needy parts of the world as well.

4. Changes in the Way We Do Things
Governments have created new bylaws, started new programs and provided more services.
Changes have improved the common good and met the needs of all the citizens in communities across Canada.
Many of these changes occurred after an individual or group of citizens brought a concern about a particular issue to the attention of a government representative.
The issue was studied over time and action was taken.
Many changes have originated from the participation and efforts of individual citizens or groups of citizens working with government members.

5. Some Changes Include
Building ramps into public buildings for access by disabled citizens
Changing speed zones by creating bylaws that better serve the safety of citizens
Protecting our natural habitats and the animals that make their homes there

6. In what ways do elected officials demonstrate their accountability to the electorate?

7. Elected Officials and Accountability to the Electorate
It is the responsibility of elected officials to be accountable to all of the citizens (constituents) living in the constituency where they are elected.
This even includes constituents who did not vote for the elected official.
Elected officials are responsible for serving citizen’s political needs and representing and expressing their concerns in government meetings.
They must also consider the common good of all citizens in their decision-making.
At the executive level, the Premier and the cabinet have a responsibility to make decisions, provide services and take actions that are in the best interest of all Alberta’s citizens, not just those citizens living in their own constituencies.

8. Expectations
Because municipal councillors and provincial MLAs have been elected to serve their wards and constituencies, they are expected to listen carefully to citizens’ concerns.
Where appropriate, they should take citizen’s concerns to the particular government departments where they can be addressed.
This accountability is necessary for representative government to work for citizens and to ensure that their voices are always heard.
Often, citizens in a ward or constituency have differing points of view about issues.
Representatives do their best to hear what everyone has to say before making a decision or voting on a bylaw (local level) or bill (provincial level).
They try to consider the needs of all citizens fairly.

9. Demonstration of Accountability
Elected officials
Focus on effective two-way communication
Address needs
Strengthen and build community
Try and be actively involved in their community
Often attend government-sponsored local events and functions
MLAs often maintain a constituency office where citizens can meet to discuss matters.

10. Demonstration of Accountability
Elected officials are expected to
Talk with constituents
Listen to their concerns
Seek solutions
Elected officials are also responsible for keeping constituents informed of government policies, programs and spending through newsletters, various media sources and other forms of communication.

11. The Rule of Law
The cornerstone of representative government is that elected officials are accountable to the citizens they represent.
In a democratic system, elected officials must represent the viewpoints and concerns of the citizens living in their constituencies.
They must also be responsible to act in the best interests of those constituents as well.
The Rule of Law: No elected officials are ever above the law, and they must obey the law.
Elected officials must make decisions based on what their constituents want and what is best for Alberta’s citizens.
What they personally think about a particular issue is not important.

12. Dynamic Relationships
Following the democratic principles of justice, equity, freedoms and representations while doing their work enables elected officials to continually demonstrate their accountability to the electorate.
As a result, an effective and dynamic working relationship can develop between citizens and government.
This relationship can strengthen our democracy, effectively serve the needs of citizens, protect our rights and freedoms, and shape strong and sustainable communities.