Though the Local Government Act mandates public hearing processes and other ‘appropriate consultation’ when developing or adopting certain strategies, plans and bylaws, there is a growing expectation among community members that they will be invited to provide more meaningful input into the decisions that affect them—and an expectation that the input they provide will meaningfully impact the final decision. In support of our newly-released Community Engagement Action Guide, this webinar is for local government and health authority staff seeking to better integrate an equity lens into their public engagement efforts.
This webinar will answer questions such as:
What level of engagement is mandated under the Local Government Act?
What is an equity lens, and how does one apply it?
What is the value of equitable engagement for local governments?
How have other communities in B.C. applied an equity lens in their engagement processes?
Speakers:
Claire Sauvage-Mar, MSc
Engagement Coordinator, BC Healthy Communities
Claire Sauvage-Mar holds a BA in Political Science and an MSc in Kinesiology. Her international background includes work with non-profit organizations in Korea, Vietnam, and New York City. She brings expertise in community engagement, physical activity and lifelong health research, and a deep belief that holistic public health and planning are essential to thriving and resilient communities. She loves learning from her colleagues in Victoria and collaborators around the province. Claire enjoys volleyball and other sports, reading and writing, bringing people together over food, and finding the perfect quote for any situation.
Kady Hunter, MPH, RD
Community Health Facilitator, Interior Health
Kady is a Community Health Facilitator with the Interior Health – Healthy Communities Program. Based out of Nelson, Kady works with local governments and communities throughout the Central Kootenay and Kootenay Boundary to develop public policies that create healthy social and built environments where we live, work and play. This includes bringing a population health and equity lens to municipal planning processes and action. Kady loves to ski and bike and is very grateful to be living in the converging, traditional territories of the Ktunaxa, Sinixt, Secwépemc and Syilx people.
Katrina Lehenbauer, MPH
Community Health Facilitator, Healthy Communities, Interior Health
Katrina is a Community Health Facilitator with the Interior Health – Healthy Communities Program. Based out of Kelowna, Katrina works with local governments and communities throughout the Central Okanagan to develop public policies that create healthy social and built environments where we live, work and play. Katrina is continually exploring how to integrate an equity lens to municipal planning processes and action. Katrina loves to bike, garden, hike, and snowshoe, and is very grateful to be living in the converging, traditional territories of the Syilx people..
Patrick Ward, M.Urb
Strategic/Social Planner, Community and Policy Planning Department, Township of Langley
As a Strategic/Social Planner, Patrick leads the Township’s social planning portfolio and assists with various community planning projects. This includes developing social policy and action plans, and collaborating with different departments and local organizations on initiatives that enhance community well-being. He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Planning and a Master’s in Urban Studies. Patrick likes to camp, ski, and travel, and generally enjoys spending quality time with friends and family.
