NB 103
Jan. 30, 2004
FREDERICTON (CNB)-The Commission on Legislative Democracy (CLD) invites New Brunswickers to take advantage of their new web feature , 'Speak Up!', by visiting their website at: http://www.gnb.ca, keyword: democracy.
This new tool will allow New Brunswickers to give directly their comments on electoral, legislative and democratic reform they want for New Brunswick through a bi-weekly question. Questions will change every two weeks and visitors will be able to view comments made by other New Brunswickers on current and past topics. The current question is: What are your suggestions for electoral reform in New Brunswick?
"Speak Up! will give New Brunswickers an opportunity to let us know what they think about such issues as fixed election dates, proportional representation, referendums, and much more," co-chairs Lise Ouellette and Lorne McGuigan said.
People who want to share their views with the commission can choose to have their comments posted publicly on the website so they may be shared with New Brunswickers.
"This is very exciting. It represents the first part of our public consultation process and a new step forward into e-democracy," the co-chairs said. "We really want New Brunswickers to take advantage of this feature and let us know what their thoughts on ways to strengthen our democratic institutions and practices."
The Commission on Legislative Democracy's website also has a 'Quick Quiz' feature that enables visitors to give a simple yes or no answer to a bi-weekly question on democratic reform. This unscientific polling feature will allow New Brunswickers to participate actively in the commission's work by giving their opinion.
"Also coming up shortly on the CLD's website is the Learning Corner, where New Brunswickers can have access to research, articles, presentations, and definitions to assist them in learning and participating in the work of the commission," Ouellette and McGuigan said. "More learning materials will be added as we continue our work. Please visit our site regularly for more information."
04/01/30
MEDIA CONTACT: Marie-Josée Groulx, Director of Consultations, Commission on Legislative Democracy, 506-457-6770.
04/01/30