Public Participation
Stakeholders and members of the general public will have opportunities to become informed and participate throughout the negotiation process. The views and interests of the public, stakeholder groups and organizations will help ensure that the broader public interest is understood and considered in resolving issues under negotiation. All Parties recognize that public and stakeholder participation is an important part of the process and will be talking to interested people and organizations, both Mi'kmaq and non-Aboriginal.
A range of approaches for public and stakeholder participation will be employed:
- newsletters and fact sheets which are posted on the web and sent to municipal officials, affected parties and the media
- public meetings, open houses and workshops
- advisory committees to the negotiations
- input via existing advisory processes within different departments or through existing organizations.
The specific approach to public participation will be finalized with input from stakeholders. Whenever helpful, the Parties may conduct a shared public participation process as well as pursuing their own opportunities for separate discussions, meetings and briefings with interested people and organizations.