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Dear David, Things have slowed down enough that I can take a bit of time to answer your letter, with apologies for the delay. I won't claim to be able to do more than sketch out elements of how an NDP government would work on a transportation policy. Those elements include: . to consult widely on the terms of reference, to hear from shippers, carriers, passengers, customers, suppliers, academics and organizations (like many who subscribe to this list) who have an interest in transportation policy. My assumption (personal only) is that the terms of reference would focus on matters within the jurisdiction or control of the province. The terms of reference must also relate to the time lines that make the most sense. For example, if key decision points will be reached in the next two years (which may be the cast for some modes), there is little point in completing a comprehensive policy three or four years hence. . to then conduct a literature review to determine what is already known and established. For example, the relative direct and indirect costs of using the competing modes of transportation, or a breakdown by origin and destination of freight and passenger traffic. . to share the results of the literature review with the various stakeholders identified earlier in consulting on the terms of reference, and determine what additional study is necessary, and if it can be done at an acceptable cost in a timely manner. . to provide an opportunity for informed comment, analysis and recommendations from the stakeholders and the general public. The level of general public interest will have to be determined, to assess whether public meetings or hearings are advisable, vs. more informal stakeholder consultations that are also open to individuals. . to circulate at least one or two drafts for comment, and perhaps for further public consultation or hearings, before the policy is recommended to government. I am sure you and others who have been through some rigorous exercises in developing or recommending public policy will be able to point out other elements, and some of the pitfalls that have been encountered in similar exercises. My outline is a personal comment, based on my own experience in government and public policy development, rather than an official NDP statement. An NDP government would ask the senior civil service or Voluntary Planning to prepare a proposal, within the government's policy on public participation, for the development of a transportation policy. Again, sorry for the two week gap between your letter coming in, and this reply. Dan -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- You received this because you are subscribed to "sust-mar", the Sustainable Maritimes mailing list. To unsubscribe, send email to <majordomo@chebucto.ns.ca> with "unsubscribe sust-mar" (without quotes) as the body of your message. To post a message to sust-mar subscribers, send it to <sust-mar@chebucto.ns.ca> Posts that are off-topic or excessive length (10K) will be rejected. For help contact <sust-mar-owner@chebucto.ns.ca>
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