Outaouais strengthened citizen participation ahead of International Day of Democracy

Tashi Farmilo

As the International Day of Democracy approached on September 15, municipalities across the Outaouais region took significant steps to bolster democratic engagement and civic participation. While Gatineau, as the largest city in the region, led many of these initiatives, smaller municipalities throughout the Outaouais also focused on enhancing transparency and empowering citizens to take an active role in local governance.

Beyond the Outaouais, Montreal’s borough of Montréal-Nord recently proclaimed its support for the International Day of Democracy, highlighting its long-standing efforts to foster inclusive citizen participation through public consultations, participatory budgeting, and initiatives aimed at engaging marginalized groups, youth, and women. The Outaouais region has similarly made strides in promoting these democratic values.

In recent years, municipalities across the Outaouais, such as Aylmer, Hull, Chelsea, and others, have implemented mechanisms to encourage civic involvement, from public consultations on local projects to participatory budgeting, which allows residents to directly influence how funds are allocated for community improvements. These efforts ensured that citizens, whether from urban or rural areas, had a voice in shaping their municipality’s future.

Gatineau’s adoption of the 2021 resolution "Democracy with Respect, Out of Respect for Democracy" helped set the tone for much of the region’s approach. The resolution aimed to strengthen trust in local democratic institutions and ensure active citizen involvement in municipal decision-making. Other municipalities in the Outaouais have embraced similar strategies, focusing on increasing participation from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, youth, and marginalized communities.

The Ombudsman offices across the region, including Gatineau’s, have played a critical role in addressing rising citizen concerns. Since 2006, Gatineau’s Ombudsman has handled nearly 4,000 cases, with a notable increase in recent years. In 2023 alone, the office received 286 complaints, reflecting a growing trend of citizen engagement. Other municipalities have experienced similar increases in public inquiries and complaints, showcasing a heightened level of accountability and transparency throughout the region.

In addition, 311 services, or their equivalents in other municipalities, have been instrumental in helping citizens report concerns related to infrastructure repairs, by-law violations, and service quality. However, as observed by local Ombudsman offices, many residents are still unfamiliar with how to effectively use these services, signalling an opportunity for municipalities across the Outaouais to improve public awareness and communication about civic engagement processes.

Throughout the summer, municipalities in the Outaouais hosted numerous public consultations and forums, gathering input on key community initiatives. From discussions on environmental conservation and land use planning in Chelsea to infrastructure and public service improvements in Aylmer and Hull, local governments sought to ensure that residents were actively involved in shaping the direction of their communities.