Insights

Globally, public trust in government is at an all-time low. Scandals, misinformation, and perceived inefficiencies have created a disconnect between citizens and their leaders. Yet, historical interactions—especially in regions where past policies have left deep impressions—and ongoing social challenges, particularly across northern communities, remind us that the roots of skepticism are layered and nuanced. Understanding this, what if governments reimagined public engagement not as a bureaucratic necessity, but as a foundational pathway to trust and legitimacy?

Traditionally, governments have relied on town halls, public consultations, and surveys to gauge public opinion. While these methods have their merits, they often fail to capture the diversity of perspectives within a community. Worse still, when citizens feel their input is ignored, or the engagement is inaccessible for any reason—especially in regions with a long history of feeling overlooked—the skepticism only deepens.

Innovative engagement strategies are emerging. Participatory budgeting, where residents directly influence how public funds are spent, has gained traction in cities like New York and Paris, and is being explored in Canadian cities including Toronto, Ottawa and Vancouver. This model not only empowers citizens but also fosters a sense of ownership over public projects, increasing satisfaction with government outcomes.

Digital engagement is also changing the game. Finland’s open-source policymaking platform allows citizens to contribute directly to legislation, ensuring transparency and inclusivity. Estonia’s e-Government system, which enables real-time interactions between residents and policymakers, has set a global benchmark for digital democracy.

However, engagement is only meaningful if it is translated into action. If governments solicit feedback but fail to act on it, the historical mistrust—and the unique social challenges present in northern regions—only serve to deepen public skepticism. To build lasting trust, governments must:

• Establish clear feedback loops that demonstrate how public input shapes policy.

• Use inclusive engagement strategies that reach marginalized and underrepresented communities.

• Leverage technology to create continuous, two-way dialogue between citizens and policymakers.

When governments prioritize authentic engagement and acknowledge the complexity of historical and social contexts, they don’t just hear their citizens—they empower them.