A northern union has applauded the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) for its efforts to include the public in its budget process.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada North (PSAC) says public input is an important step in making government operations more accessible and transparent.
The territorial government recently invited residents to weigh in on budget priorities for the next two fiscal years by allowing them to provide feedback online.
Residents have until May 20 to provide feedback on the finance department’s website, where they can answer a series of questions about their priorities for programs and services and ideas for improving government efficiency.
That information will then be tabled when MLAs sit next in May.
“I’m very pleased to see the GNWT take these progressive steps towards a more open democracy,” said Jack Bourassa, regional executive vice president of PSAC North.
“I’m sure this is simply the first step in a greater dialogue between our elected leaders and residents of the Northwest Territories.”
That being said, PSAC North is encouraging the government to take even further steps to increase transparency.
According to the union, that could include hosting town hall meetings throughout the NWT or setting up a dedicated phone line for residents with limited internet access.
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