Public Consultations
Universal suffrage is one of the ways that citizens have to
express their wishes and their opinion. Over and above voting,
there are three types of public consultations.
Consultations held by the
Government
These consultations deal with the realization of projects of
important public interest and with inquiry commissions related to
different sectors of activity. Those interested in submitting
comments may do so in the form of recommendations.
A parliamentary commission can hold general consultations. In
this way, it can solicit and collect opinions from individuals or
organized groups on a subject of public interest, such as a bill.
When a notice of a general consultation is published, individuals
or organizations wishing to express their opinion must present a
brief to the Commissions Office. The members of the commission then
choose from the individuals and organizations that have sent in a
brief which ones will be heard at the public hearings.
Consultations held by the Bureau d'audiences publiques sur
l'environnement (
BAPE)
The purpose of these consultations is to inform and consult the
population on questions related to the quality of the environment
or on any project likely to have significant environmental effects.
The BAPE holds hearings in the milieux in question to allow people
to participate more easily and voice their concerns. The BAPE’s
role is to assist government decision making, in support of
sustainable development.
