Democratic Renewal: How online deliberation is transforming the development of public policy

Joseph Peters
Ascentum

Robert Mariani
Ascentum

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     Last modified: March 9, 2005

Abstract
This 75-minute workshop covers:
- Uses and implications of the Internet for democratic participation
- E-consultation and e-rulemaking
- Analyzing online dialogue
- Lessons from offline deliberation and democracy
- Digital divides, usability, and accessibility

Online deliberation is now demonstrating a new era of public efficacy in the development of public policy in Canada. This workshop will outline case studies of key initiatives by Parliament, elected officials, and the federal public administration that have been lead by Joseph Peters and Robert Mariani of Ascentum.

Most discussions around the Internet and democracy tend to focus on the Internet’s impact during election campaigns. Today there are few people who question the influence of the World Wide Web on political fundraising, messaging, and recruiting. Nor is the impact, perceived or real, that bloggers maintain underestimated. However, there is a gap in the emphasis on elections. What happens to democracy between elections? Where does it go?

Canada has had ongoing ruminations about an apathetic electorate with voter turnouts at their lowest levels in history and the need for democratic renewal. Arguments have been made that this alienation is driven by a real deficit in encouraging participation and interest in public policy by the electorate, except at periods when a ballot is in their hands.

Options are available if there is the political will. The policy development process is a mechanism that provides a chance for greater public involvement in our democratic institutions. The challenge is to break out of the traditional models of elite accommodation to hear from new and different voices. This entails a paradigm shift for elected officials, public servants, and lobbyists. The transformation is beginning in Canada. We are far from the “tipping point,” but progress is being made.

Online Deliberation Case Studies

This workshop will provide details of initiatives that have shifted the pendulum towards an increase in the use of online deliberative approaches in the development of public policy.

Parliament
House of Commons
- The Canada Pension Plan Disability Program
Senate
- Mental Health, Mental Illness and Addiction in Canada

Elected Officials
- Crossing Boundaries: Provincial Elected Official Pilot Project

Public Administration
- Department of Social Development Canada
- Public Health Agency of Canada

The session will focus on the successes, challenges, and key lessons learned through a 20-25 minute presentation followed by open discussion with participants.