Latest news with #publicengagement
RNZ News
18-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
The House: Parliamentary agency resources under pressure
Photo: VNP/Louis Collins Parliament risks being overwhelmed by an increase in public engagement on bills, Clerk of the House David Wilson told MPs this week. Wilson, along with Speaker Gerry Brownlee and Parliamentary Service Chief Executive Rafael Gonzalez Montero, joined the Governance and Administration Committee on Wednesday. The event was part two-albeit a month late-of the Estimates hearing for the Office of the Clerk and the Parliamentary Service. Brownlee is not a cabinet minister, but even so, he is the minister responsible (as Speaker) for Parliament's agencies, the Office of the Clerk (OOC), and the Parliamentary Service (PS). He oversees the PS but the OOC is independent. Much of Wednesday's hearing was focused on a perceived strain on the OOC's staff and resources. The source of that strain has apparently come from the increase of three things: the increased use of urgency, the number of public submissions on bills, and the amount of scrutiny by select committees. Such technical, behind-the-scenes parliamentary issues are dry but crucial to the effective oversight and transparency of government, and to participation in the law-making process. Both are sacrosanct to a functioning democracy. Wilson said the Office of the Clerk currently has the resources to cope with the aggregate demand for its services. His concern though, is being able to cope with a potential "new norm" of having unprecedented submissions on bills, which he said they would "really struggle to deal with". "We can deal with one or two bills that attract a huge amount of public interest [but] we couldn't deal with those simultaneously, though, with current resources," Wilson said. So would such a shift mean that some public submissions will not be able to be processed because the Office of the Clerk wouldn't have the capacity? There is potential mitigation on the horizon in the form of the Parliament Bill, which is currently waiting for its second reading. While not a silver-bullet, the law change would enable Wilson to make a case directly to Parliament for sufficient resourcing to deal with the increased scale of submissions, and not rely on the discretion of the Minister of Finance. The current session of Parliament changed how select committees scrutinised Government spending and performance. This included the introduction of two dedicated scrutiny weeks a year (one for Estimates and one for Annual Review), longer hearings and cross examinations, and more for committees to report. Photo: VNP/Louis Collins All that extra scrutiny increases labour and time costs. Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March expressed concern about whether Parliament has the resources to do justice to the new arrangements. "The feedback we have received [is] that there's a genuine trade-off that happens with increased scrutiny and ability to produce substantive reports," he said. Wilson said it's a matter of priorities. "More so than previously, there is the need to weigh up where the energy and attention of the committee and therefore the staff are going to focus... If you're doubling the amount of time spent on scrutiny, there's not double the amount of resource to support that," he said. Other than hoping for respite from the Parliament Bill's new funding mechanism, MPs could also propose changes to Parliament's rules and processes in the Standing Orders Review, which happens at the end of each Parliamentary term. That would be expected to occur in 2026. Brownlee, who chairs the Standing Orders Committee, suggested this as a method for countering the increased strain on Parliament's staff and resources. He told MPs on Wednesday the trend is that there are more submissions on all bills at the moment than there has been in the past. "I think it's for the Standing Orders Committee of Parliament to make some decisions around that, so if you've got some ideas, then feed them in," Brownlee said. You can listen to the audio version of this story by clicking the link at the top of the page. * RNZ's The House, with insights into Parliament, legislation and issues, is made with funding from Parliament's Office of the Clerk.
CTV News
27-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Midland opens door to new ideas to shape waterfront redevelopment
The Midland waterfront along the shores of Georgian Bay is pictured. The Town of Midland hopes to transform what was once a quiet industrial stretch along Georgian Bay into a vibrant and accessible waterfront destination, with the right developer. The Town officially launched a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI), inviting developers to pitch bold, creative ideas to turn the 40-acre Midland Bay Landing site into a mixed-use neighbourhood. 'We're hoping to see a fresh, innovative approach to planning this site—one that guarantees public access along the entire waterfront and includes outdoor park or recreation space,' stated Mayor Bill Gordon, adding developers would have the 'freedom to explore' design ideas. The Town said public input would continue to play a central role throughout the redevelopment process. Gordon emphasized that transparency and engagement would be priorities start to finish, allowing residents to help shape what the future waterfront will look like. 'We are looking for a development partner who shares our vision for a revitalized, inclusive, and vibrant waterfront community,' said Chief Administrative Officer Rhonda Bunn. Bunn added the municipality had already laid the groundwork for success by investing over $14 million into infrastructure upgrades along King Street, connecting the harbour to the downtown core. Midland Bay Landing has long been viewed as a key piece of the town's future. 'The Midland Bay Landing redevelopment is expected to significantly enhance the local economy, tourism industry, and quality of life for residents and visitors alike,' the Town stated. The RFEI submission deadline is August 8 at 2 p.m.
CTV News
25-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Sudbury hosts public sessions for Downtown Master Plan
Greater Sudbury hosted two sessions Wednesday at Tom Davies Square to get the public's opinion on the Downtown Master Plan. Greater Sudbury hosted two sessions Wednesday to get the public's opinion on the Downtown Master Plan. The first took place from 1-3 p.m. at Tom Davies Square, where attendees had the chance to fill out surveys and look at maps showcasing 50 different ideas. 'In March, we did what's called a downtown visioning session,' said Ed Landry, senior planner with the city. 'And we unveiled a new vision and new strategies associated with the downtown master plan or downtown for the next 30 years. We started getting into some of the projects that people were looking forward to seeing in the downtown. And so today's sessions are really about that.' Site selected for events centre Since the March session, Landry said some decisions have been made for some of the projects, such as the location of the new events centre. 'And so what do we place around that? So we're interested to hear from, people's thoughts on that,' he said. 'Also, we've got a new cultural hub that'll be located in this building ... how do we react to that?' Gary Petrian and Sheila Kelly-Petrian, who have lived in Sudbury all their lives, attended the session to see plans for the downtown's future. 'Seeing some developments and some positive developments down here, I think is crucial.' — Sheila Kelly-Petrian 'We live in the area. We love the area. It's the historic centre of Sudbury,' Kelly-Petrian said. 'So seeing some developments and some positive developments down here, I think is crucial.' Petrian said he supported the new events centre being located downtown. 'I really like the Sudbury Arena is going to stay downtown and it's a big drawing point. We can build from there,' he said. 'Also, (Elm Place) is also now being occupied much better with the farmers market and things like that.' Susan Levesque, fundraising and fund development officer with the Art Gallery of Sudbury, said she's excited about the new Cultural Hub, which will serve as the new home for the gallery. 'We're part of the Cultural Hub, which is one of the items on the master plan,' Levesque said. 'In 2027, we will open in the provincial building, which is 199 Larch St. We will have five office floors. So that's exciting -- and we cannot wait to make that transition.' Levesque said the art gallery will be renamed the Franklin Carmichael Art Gallery of Sudbury. 'We are very honoured to receive, several works from his family, which is wonderful,' she said. 'And we can't wait to exhibit those works in the near future.' Jeff MacIntyre, Downtown Sudbury executive director, said he's seeing a lot of excitement from businesses and residents about the future of the area. 'We've had some new businesses, open up some great new restaurants,' MacIntyre said. 'We're hearing more people kick the tires on some of the spaces that we have downtown. Excited about things to come.' The second session was scheduled to take place from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday in provincial boardrooms C and D at Tom Davies Square. Landry said a final draft will be presented to the community in early fall, with the city planning to finalize the master plan by the end of 2025.
CTV News
18-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Alberta government PR branch moved under premier's office
Alberta's government has quietly transferred responsibility for its communications wing to the premier's office, greatly expanding the size and budget of the province's executive council. An April 29 Order in Council shifted responsibility for the province's Communications and Public Engagement (CPE) department from Treasury Board and Finance to Executive Council, meaning Premier Danielle Smith is now the minister overseeing the branch. Aside from notices of the order posted to the government website, the province has not publicly commented on the department transfer. CPE is part of the public service and manages marketing and communications across all government branches. Previously known as the public affairs bureau, the government communications branch was moved from executive council to treasury board and finance by the then- Alberta NDP government in 2017 after years of complaints from consecutive opposition parties that it was used as a propaganda arm of the premier's office. Rakhi Pancholi, deputy leader of the Alberta NDP, said relocating the public relations branch under the premier normalizes the United Conservative government's use of public dollars for partisan purposes. 'What I think has been happening gradually over the last six years is that government communications have become increasingly partisan. And the decision to bring it under executive council and the premier is clearly a decision to formalize that process,' Pancholi said. The move will add about 288 full-time employees to Executive Council, which will operate with a budget of $38 million, Smith's press secretary Sam Blackett told the IJF. The decision to transfer the communications branch was made by cabinet in April, he said. 'The objectives of CPE remain unchanged. As dedicated and non-partisan public servants, CPE staff will continue to communicate and implement the policy priorities of Alberta's government,' Blackett said. Though the CPE is tasked with delivering factual and non-partisan information about government policies and programs, Pancholi said official social media accounts and news releases have more frequently veered into political territory with messaging 'intended to create a certain narrative' about government policies or 'overt partisan references to the federal government.' Major initiatives supported by CPE in recent years include the $8 million Tell the Feds advertising campaign opposing federal net-zero emissions regulations and a $7.5 million campaign promoting the Alberta Pension Plan. The UCP's transfer of CPE continues the consolidation of the province's communications apparatus and the expansion of the executive council by the Smith government. Earlier this year the controversial Canadian Energy Centre, an 'energy war room' created by former premier Jason Kenney's government to counter critics of Alberta's oil sector, was also folded into the premier's office, adding an additional $4.8 million to its budget. The 2025-26 budget for the premier's office and Executive Council is $25.7 million, up from about $21 million the previous year, which Smith said is needed to cover increased staffing expenses. An Order in Council on May 13 designated two additional deputy ministers in that office who answer to Smith, a senior deputy minister of operations and a deputy minister of communications and public engagement. Enyinnah Okere, former chief operations officer with Edmonton Police Service (EPS), was appointed deputy minister of CPE. The same order also appoints Justin Krikler, chief administrative officer of EPS's corporate services bureau, as the new deputy minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services. In their time with the Edmonton police, Okere and Krikler worked under former police chief Dale McFee, who announced his retirement from policing in late 2024 and was hired as deputy minister of Executive Council and head of the Alberta Public Service in February. Blackett said that under the new arrangement, communications staff will continue to report directly to the deputy minister of CPE, just as in any other government department. By Brett McKay, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Investigative Journalism Foundation
Daily Mail
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Princess of Wales cuts a trendy figure in navy trouser suit as she visits buzzy V&A storehouse in east London
The Princess of Wales undertook her first public engagement of the month today as she highlighted the 'joy' of the creative arts. Kate, 43, was at the new V&A East Storehouse - which opened to the public just two weeks ago - and gives unprecedented free public access to the museum's world-famous collection of more than 600,000 treasures from every creative discipline including fashion, film, visual art, design and performance. The princess cut a trendy figure as she opted to rewear a chic trouser suit by designer Alexander McQueen for the event, along with a white scoop-neck top. She accessorised with a pair of black heels, belt with a heavy gold chain necklace and styled her new bronde hair in loose waves while keeping her makeup light and minimal yet dewy. After she arrived at the buzzy east London venue, she was given a behind-the-scenes tour and learnt about the work that goes into conserving and displaying some of the amazing objects stored, including the largest Picasso work in the world. The gigantic cavas measuring 30m by 40m has spent most of the last 80 years rolled up in storage. The princess' last public engagement was a ship-naming ceremony in Glasgow on May 22, after which she enjoyed the half-term holiday with her children. The entire Wales family will, however, be present at Saturday's iconic Trooping the Colour in London, sources told the Mail. Aides added that the 'cadence' of the princess' public engagements is still as was announced earlier this year, involving a slow and measured return to public life following her cancer diagnosis last year. Happily she announced in January that she is now officially in remission. Created in partnership with young people and inspired by east London's creative heritage, the new V&A East Storehouse - a world first - has been built to ensure the nation's creative works are available to all. Spanning four levels and bigger than 30 basketball courts, Storehouse is a new kind of museum experience giving visitors the chance to see behind the scenes of a working museum, explore why and how objects get collected by museums, find out how they are cared for, and uncover the stories they tell about us and our world. Wherever possible, glass and barriers have been removed, and visitors will be able to get closer to objects than ever before. The Collections Access team have all been recruited from the local area and the Princess got the chance to engage with a new 'Order an Object' service, where anyone can book a free appointment to view an object up close and have a one-on-one session with the a member of the team. A Kensington Palace spokesman said: 'Her Royal Highness' engagement today is all about highlighting the importance of creative opportunity and celebrating the power of creativity to bring us joy.' Her Royal Highness will spend time viewing some of the incredible objects stored, and learn from the access team how engaging with these works can provide creative inspiration for all. Kate is the patron of the Victoria & Albert Museum and has been at many events at the Kensington museum. In 2023, she reopened tthe Young V&A museum in east London after it closed for three years. The mother-of-three - who is the V&A's first ever patron and a keen photographer - was then taken on a tour of the premises by children who were instrumental to the redesign. During the tour, Kate stopped and spoke with students at the nearby Bethnal Green primary school and found herself in the centre of a group hug. Last month, Kate officially named HMS Glasgow by smashing a bottle of local Scottish whisky against its hull. Keeping her look suitably nautical for the outing, the royal sported a navy and white £1,850 coat dress from British brand Suzannah London and a matching statement hat from Philip Treacy, first worn at Trooping the Colour in 2024. As the couple departed, one wellwisher from the crowd couldn't resist telling the princess, 'you're beautiful!' And in an effort not to leave her husband out, they added: 'You too, William!', in footage recorded by local news outlet Clyde News. Clearly amused by the surprise compliment, William, 42, quipped: 'You don't have to say that, don't worry!' The crowd then burst into laughter at his self-deprecating comment, as the couple bid goodbye after a busy afternoon. Earlier, stepping up onto a podium before a crowd of several hundred BAE employees, their families and the 45-strong ship's company, Kate uttered the time-honoured words: 'I have the pleasure to name this ship HMS Glasgow, may God bless her and all who sail on her'. The Princess then flicked up a small red 'launch' button to release a bottle of exclusive single malt whisky made by the nearby Clydeside Distillery. The ceremonial act is said to bring good luck and fortune to the vessel and its crew. The distillery opened its doors in 2017, the same year that the HMS Glasgow build began, marking what is considered the start of two modern icons of Glasgow's maritime heritage. Each bottle of the whisky sold will include a donation to HMS Glasgow's chosen charity, Place2Be, of which the Princess is patron, and which supports children's mental health in the city. The Princess was named sponsor of the 8,000-tonne warship, a state-of-the-art Type 26 anti-submarine frigate, in June 2021 and is said to hold 'a real interest' in the ship 'and in the lives of those who will serve onboard'. A year later, Kate met Royal Navy sailors from HMS Glasgow at Windsor Castle to hear about the ship's progress and their experiences in the Royal Navy.
