The “Building Back Better” project empowered Canadian citizens to directly shape the country’s economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike government surveys, this initiative provided an interactive platform where participants could:
Key findings revealed strong support for social programs, green investments, and progressive taxation. This project demonstrated the power of citizen engagement in shaping public policy, moving beyond superficial surveys and fostering a more participatory and democratic society.
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The COVID-19 pandemic presented a unique opportunity for Canada: a chance to rebuild its economy in a way that is both equitable and sustainable. This “once-in-a-lifetime” budget offered a chance to reimagine the future, but the government’s initial consultation fell short of truly engaging citizens.
“The government’s survey lacked depth,” explains Sabrina Bowman, Campaign Director with the eDemocracy Network. “It didn’t provide a comprehensive framework for citizens to understand the trade-offs involved in different policy choices. It was like asking people what they wanted for dinner without showing them a menu.”
To address this shortcoming, the eDemocracy Network, in partnership with Corporate Knights and supported by the Trottier Family Foundation, launched an ambitious project: an independent citizen’s budget consultation. This initiative aimed to empower Canadians to directly shape the recovery by actively engaging them in the decision-making process to answer the question:
“What set of fiscal policies should Canada adopt to achieve the 10-year goal of creating one million jobs while hitting the 2030 Paris target of cutting our greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 209 megatonnes (Mt) of CO2e”
Unlike the federal government survey (whose results were never released) this digital budget process enabled citizens to:
“What really stood out after consulting economists across the political spectrum,” says Toby Heaps, CEO of Corporate Knights, “is how affordable it is to build back better post-pandemic with a clean and caring economy. We have many options to cover the incremental net costs, including tweaking exemptions, which on its own, would make it possible to complete the social safety net in Canada, and turbocharge Canada’s clean economy.” 1
The citizen’s budget revealed several key findings. Strong support emerged for social programs, particularly universal childcare and affordable housing. Participants also prioritized investments in green industries and environmental protection, recognizing the urgency of climate action. Notably, there was significant support for progressive taxation measures, including wealth taxes and closing corporate loopholes, to finance public investments.
Beyond the specific policy preferences, the project demonstrated a crucial principle: when given the tools and information, citizens can meaningfully engage in complex policy decisions. This initiative serves as a powerful example of how to move beyond superficial consultations and truly empower citizens to shape the future of their country.
“It’s not just about asking for opinions,” Bowman emphasizes. “It’s about providing citizens with the information and the tools to make informed decisions. This is about creating a truly participatory democracy where everyone has a voice in shaping the future.”
The citizen’s budget initiative not only provided valuable insights into the priorities and preferences of Canadians but also demonstrated the power of citizen engagement in shaping public policy. By moving beyond superficial surveys and embracing a more participatory approach, governments can foster a deeper connection with their citizens and build a more inclusive and democratic society.
This national citizen’s project serves as a valuable model for future public consultations, encouraging a more collaborative and informed approach to policy making. It underscores the importance of empowering citizens with the information and tools they need to actively participate in the decisions that shape their lives and the future of their country.
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