Participants noted that while all levels of governments offered many useful programs and supports, these were too often not widely known and/or difficult to access.
Those at the dialogue noted that while all levels of governments offered many useful programs and supports, these were too often not widely known and/or difficult to access. As a result, participants called on government to make information on their existing programs more easily accessible. In particular, they noted that while current trends towards e- government served a purpose, this creates barriers for some - and too often for those who most need help, e.g., those with low literacy or low computer literacy skills. Participants added that beyond access to information, people often need support and guidance, someone to speak to and who can answer their questions.
Participants also called on governments to make eligibility criteria more flexible, more client-centred. In addition, they suggested that more intra- governmental coordination was required to avoid situations where, as one participant put it, "you have to go knocking on five different doors to get an answer." They added that in terms of economic development, business should proactively identify its needs to government and government must in turn consistently assess the pertinence and effectiveness of its programs.
Finally, contributors commented that government, business, labour, and citizens do not "speak the same language." They saw a role for community groups to serve as "intermediaries" or "interpreters" that could help government users navigate the system more effectively.