Continuing Education
COLLEGE OF CONTINUING EDUCATION, HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, B3H 4R2 | +1 (902) 494-2526
Continuing Education » Continuing Management Education » Local Government and Public Sector Programs » Citizen Engagement  

Citizen Engagement

The College of Continuing Education has developed a program area dedicated to research, consulting and training in the area of citizen engagement and consultation. In keeping with our mandate of working with public sector, non-profit organizations and community groups, the College is engaged in research and practice in the areas of stakeholder analysis, community-based strategic planning, citizen participation and public process facilitation. The program draws on faculty and resource persons associated with the public sector programs group, the negotiation and conflict management group, the adult education group and the non-profit sector leadership group.

We see citizen engagement and consultation as an essential tool in developing a healthy democracy and an engaged citizenry. Citizen engagement reduces the "us versus them" mentality of a society disillusioned with corporations and governments. Studies indicate that when people are authentically and meaningfully engaged in the life of their communities it goes a long way to enhancing trust and building working relationships between individuals, groups and institutions. Citizen engagement helps build greater understand across diverse communities and helps to balance rights and responsibilities. Citizen engagement leads to better public policy and more innovative private sector developments and projects.

We currently offer the following services related to enhancing knowledge and building skills in citizen engagement:

  • workshops and seminars ranging from 90 minute presentations to 2-day workshops
  • a national online curriculum intended for municipal administrators
  • research services
  • consulting in the design and facilitation of consultation and engagement initiatives

If you are interested in any of the above services, please contact us at 902-494-2526. As seminars and workshops are scheduled, we will post the details here.