What is a Citizens’ Assembly?
A Citizens’ Assembly is a representative body of citizens tasked by a government to study, deliberate, and develop recommendations on a specific issue. Typically, members of a Citizens’ Assembly are randomly selected from among a pool of volunteers who pledge to work on behalf of all members of a community over a period of several weeks or months. The Assembly’s recommendations are generally developed by consensus and are intended to represent the best interests of the community.
Two Citizens' Assembly processes/outcomes are underway on southern Vancouver Island.
Duncan - North Cowichan Amalgamation
Saanich - Victoria Citizens' Assembly Initiative
A Citizens’ Assembly is a representative body of citizens tasked by a government to study, deliberate, and develop recommendations on a specific issue. Typically, members of a Citizens’ Assembly are randomly selected from among a pool of volunteers who pledge to work on behalf of all members of a community over a period of several weeks or months. The Assembly’s recommendations are generally developed by consensus and are intended to represent the best interests of the community.
Two Citizens' Assembly processes/outcomes are underway on southern Vancouver Island.
Duncan - North Cowichan Amalgamation
Saanich - Victoria Citizens' Assembly Initiative
Watch the Core Town Hall video, April 25, 2018
Read: A City Divided, Together we are stronger
April 12, 2018, CFAX interview: Shellie Gudgeon, Chair of Amalgamation Yes, discusses the Saanich - Victoria initiative of a citizens' assembly on amalgamation (22 min.)
BC Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Selina Robinson, responds to joint City of Victoria and District of Saanich request for citizens' assembly
Saanich Peninsula Town Hall, March 3, 2018, Mary Winspear Centre, Sidney, BC
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Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing releases CISGI report
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing response to inquiry on Greater Victoria amalgamation below. Are you satisfied with this response?
The NDP promised an in-depth amalgamation review prior to the May election. Write to your MLA and Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and insist that the democratic will of the people of Greater Victoria be acted upon.
The NDP promised an in-depth amalgamation review prior to the May election. Write to your MLA and Selina Robinson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and insist that the democratic will of the people of Greater Victoria be acted upon.
WELCOME TO THE OFFICIAL SITE OF AMALGAMATION YES
- Almost 4 years have passed since Greater Victoria residents voted 75% for change to the status quo of governance in our region.
- What is your local council doing to implement the democratic will of the electorate?
- When will the Province of BC undertake the promised governance review?
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REGISTER YOUR OPINION: ONGOING POLL
This online poll has been running for 3+ years. "Are you in favour of reducing the number of municipalities in the Capital Region through amalgamation?" Results as at June 1, 2018: YES: 88% No: 12% |
PROGRESS TOWARDS CITIZEN-LED CHOICE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT
75% voted YES to a non-binding referendum question in the November 2014 municipal elections. Immediately after the election, the Honourable Coralee Oakes, BC Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, issued the following statement, and subsequently committed to a Provincially-funded amalgamation study. Premier Christy Clark also voiced her support for the referendum results and reforming our local government. Read more.
The NDP, elected May 2017, made a commitment for a governance study.
Chronology of Significant Events -- a progress report.
Keep in touch by visiting this website often for news and progress updates and by signing up for membership and newsletters. Stay on top of all the media articles dealing with amalgamation.
The Amalgamation Yes initiative could not have succeeded without the incredible support of thousands and thousands of Greater Victorians. The momentum for change is fully underway, and we look forward to many positive developments over the coming months.
The Amalgamation Yes initiative could not have succeeded without the incredible support of thousands and thousands of Greater Victorians. The momentum for change is fully underway, and we look forward to many positive developments over the coming months.