FREDERICTON (CNB) – Premier David Alward has invited representatives from New Brunswick's three unelected political parties to participate in a process to make the legislature more open and collaborative.
"We believe that citizen engagement means listening to differing opinions and treating individuals with dignity and respect," said Alward. "We are a government for all New Brunswickers, no matter how they vote. We have a history of working together to find the best solutions, and I look forward to working with these leaders in the near future."
Creating a mechanism for third parties to be heard in the legislature is among the commitments included in the document Putting New Brunswick First.
Don Desserud, a professor at the University of New Brunswick, Saint John campus, has agreed to work with party leaders to ensure their voices are heard in the committee process and in all major government initiatives.
Desserud has 21 years of experience specializing in political philosophy and constitutionalism, specifically as they apply to the federal and provincial legislatures. He is the director of the university’s Urban and Community Studies Institute, and he is also a political analyst and frequent media commentator on political issues. He has agreed to volunteer his time for this initiative.
"I am looking forward to helping bring new voices into the legislative affairs of the province," said Desserud. "I am confident this will help build a strong, inclusive process that will serve New Brunswickers for the long term."
Procedural rules currently limit public participation in the legislature to the presentation of petitions by sitting MLAs.
Desserud has been asked to propose new methods for participation and will consult with representatives of parties with official standing in the last election, along with the clerk of the legislative assembly before presenting options to Speaker Dale Graham.
Graham will present these options to the legislature's standing committee on procedures for consideration.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Premier David Alward will be available to the media at 12:30 p.m. TODAY, Friday, Nov. 12, in the rotunda at the legislative assembly, 706 Queen St., Fredericton.