INCLUSIVE, ACCESSIBLE, ACCOUNTABLE AND STRONG PARLIAMENTS
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF QUÉBEC’S CITIZEN ROUND TABLE: BOOSTING QUEBECERS’ PARTICIPATION IN PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS AND ACTIVITIES A state-of-the-art Parliament Ever since the visitor pavilion opened in 2019, the National Assembly of Québec has been finding new ways to bring Quebecers closer to their institutions – closer to their “people’s house”. The new facilities are resolutely modern and have made it possible for us to offer visitors a whole new experience. Our goal is to reform and update our civic knowledge base, and to disseminate it taking full advantage of technological breakthroughs. Our spaces are now home to a myriad of different activities for the public. Concerts, conferences, screenings, exhibitions and interactive workshops breathe new life into the parliamentary routine, and help people discover our emblematic institution. The National Assembly is now a partner in its community and becoming a place everyone wants to see and experience! This concern for inclusion and education has also transferred into parliamentary activities and proceedings, which are the true bedrock of the National Assembly’s mission. The Assembly carries traditions that are hundreds of years old, but it is also aware of how important it is to adapt to its time. These days, disinformation is casting doubt on the legitimacy of democratic institutions, so openness and transparency have become all the more indispensable. This is why the Assembly recently held focus groups to get a better understanding of people’s democratic needs and aspirations – so that the knowledge gleaned could be incorporated into reflection on the ongoing evolution of Québec parliamentarianism. The Citizen Round Table was one of the inclusive undertakings designed to bring Parliament closer to the people. The Citizen Round Table: an innovation The Citizen Round Table was a consultation on ways to facilitate Quebecers’ participation in parliamentary proceedings and activities. Tying directly into the parliamentary reform launched
during the 42nd Legislature, which it has been my honour to preside over, the Table was designed to inform parliamentary thought on aspects of the reform that concern mechanisms for public participation at the National Assembly. My fellow MNAs agreed to the Citizen Round Table in spring 2020. Truly committed to the innovative project, they were looking for a consultation method and themes that would stimulate the public’s interest. We deeply hoped that people from all walks of life, whether or not they were familiar with politics and parliamentarianism, would take part in the exchanges in order to provide the Assembly’s ongoing reform with information on people’s perceptions and concerns. It is important to note that this process was unprecedented for our institution. It was the first time in its history that our Parliament had used focus groups in a public consultation to gain a better understanding of people’s different experiences and worries as citizens. In fact, even though our institution is often in the spotlight, it is rarely subject to a structured process of deep examination and criticism by the public. By establishing the Citizen Round Table, the National Assembly was taking the risk of having to face public criticism, but it was also gambling that the analysis would spur improvements in its practices. The consultation had many objectives: • First, to better grasp and gain a deeper understanding of people’s points of view, perceptions and needs with respect to public participation at the National Assembly; • To find out what are the main obstacles to public participation in parliamentary proceedings and activities; • To identify concrete ways to improve existing mechanisms for public participation and establish new ones if needed; • Lastly, to gather ideas and proposals so that they could be integrated into MNAs’ reflections on parliamentary reform.
Hon. François Paradis, MNA
is the President of the National Assembly of Québec. First elected to office on 20 October 2014 in a by-election, he is the Member for Lévis and he became the President of the National Assembly in 2018. Previously, he was a TV and radio host and anchor, journalist and producer of public and current affairs programs. He authored the book ‘Ma Job ou Ma Vie’, published in 2014, in which he recounts his fight against cancer of the vocal cords. He was also a conference speaker and communications trainer for many organisations and businesses.
10 | The Parliamentarian | 2022: Issue Two | 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference