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Consultation & Communication

Public Consultation

The purpose of public participation is for the decision-makers to be able to make better decisions that reflect the interests and concerns of all affected stakeholders. The public participation process varies according to the scope of the proposal or issue. To successfully achieve public participation, there are three fundamental concepts that must be incorporated into the process: trust, openness and access.

AXYS staff has the training and experience in planning, coordinating and facilitating numerous participation programs for a range of development projects.

Services

• Early public notification (National Energy Board)
• Open houses
• Public presentations
• Media announcements
• Stakeholder advisory committee coordination
• Conflict resolution

Public Hearings

Public hearings represent an important vehicle for the exchange of project and environmental information among stakeholders, project proponents and regulators. They also provide regulators with the opportunity to better understand stakeholder concerns, and to obtain clarification on project issues to assist them in their decision-making role.

AXYS staff offer expertise in all phases of the hearing process, and have cumulatively participated in public hearings at the municipal, provincial and federal levels on more than 30 occasions.

Services

• Preparation of filed evidence
• Issues identification and key message development
• Expert witness training
• Expert witness testimony
• Preparation of cross-examination material
• Preparation of final argument

Training

Training is viewed by AXYS as a facilitated exchange of knowledge to improve our client's capabilities or the public's knowledge of issues and accepted practices. Training can supplement internal development programs or provide the beginnings for such initiatives.

AXYS can apply its extensive knowledge and experience to all of its services. Forums for training include the conventional classroom, workshops, and focus groups. The combination of computer generated graphics and leading-edge trainers provide clear answers to difficult questions where participants are encouraged to be involved to solve their issues.

Examples of training topics

• Environmental impact assessment
• Cumulative effects assessment
• Applied geographic information systems
• Environmental issues for the oil and gas industry
• Pipeline routing
• Site reclamation
• Environmental screenings for parks