ABCD, in partnership with the City of Edmonton and the Centre for Public Involvement, held it’s first large-scale deliberative event, the Citizens’ Panel on Edmonton’s Energy and Climate Challenges.
From October to December, 2012, 56 Edmontonians gathered to learn about climate change and energy vulnerability from balanced materials and presentations by experts. The Panel worked together over six day-long sessions. The Session Reports give a day-by-day overview of main deliberation activities.
Panelists heard from City representatives, industry, and university experts, and took part in facilitated exercises to help them find common ground. Sessions referred to Edmonton’s Energy Transition Discussion Paper to help develop recommendations for the City’s consideration.
The Panel’s Final Report was completed in January 2013 and will be presented to City Council’s Executive Committee on April 15th, 2013.
Ongoing Research
ABCD researchers were on site at each session to collect information from the Panelists using interview, survey, journalling, and observational research methods. We will continue to monitor the impact of the Citizens’ Final Report as it makes its way through City Administration and Council.
ABCD puts innovative deliberative democracy theories into practice and we are excited to share results as they emerge.
Additional information can be found on The City of Edmonton’s Citizens’ Panel webpage.