Public Consultation Toolkit - Civil Service College

Public Consultation Toolkit 31 32 Public Consultation Toolkit
4. Unpopular decisions
In the event that agencies have to decide on an outcome that is unpopular (i.e., where majority
support is lacking) with stakeholders, steps have to be taken to manage the ground sentiment
and mitigate the negative implications of the policy/initiative. Agencies are advised to:
• Provide a detailed explanation of the rationale behind the decision,
• Manage expectations by being clear about the scope of consultation and what measures can
be changed and cannot be changed; and
• Actively address the negative externalities, such as introducing measures to mitigate the
adverse effects on the stakeholders.
Case 10:
Maintaining anti-euthanasia regulation
Country:
• Canada
Background:
• Euthanasia is officially illegal in Canada. Between 2005 and 2010, three private bills were
tabled by a Member of Parliament to legalise euthanasia.
Consultation Process:
• Extensive debate was generated on the issue by provincial governments, non-governmental
organisations, the media and individuals. For example, the Quebec provincial government
conducted national assembly hearings which sought feedback from public and medical
specialists. Non-government organisations (NGO) were also proactive in engaging the public
on what euthanasia entailed.
• The Angus Reid Public Opinion survey in 2010 showed that 67 per cent of respondents in
Canada supported legalising euthanasia.
Outcomes:
• Despite public support for euthanasia, it was not legalised as there were insufficient votes in
the House of Commons to advance the bill.
• Many legislators recognised this was a sensitive issue requiring extensive debate which
should continue to take place.
• Guidelines and exceptions had been introduced to deal with special cases and legislation
on euthanasia distinguished between passive and active euthanasia. The debate also
emphasised the need to improve palliative and elder care.