CNAR Winter Workshop 3 - Public Engagement Building Relationships, Trust, and Credibility

Regulatory bodies have mandates to regulate professions in a manner that serves and protects diverse public interests. Regulators have faced challenges in how to both reach and meaningfully engage the public.

How can regulators engage the public? How can they build and sustain relations with the public that are meaningful and grounded in trust and credibility?

Engagement is not about checklists, templates, and surveys! Engagement can build relationships, trust, and credibility IF a relational approach is used. Tannis Topolnisky, Principal, Topent Ltd., a Certified Public Participation Professional (CP3), and International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Licensed Trainer, will open the workshop with an interactive session ‘Moving from Transactional to Relational Engagement’. 

We will learn and deepen our understanding about: 

• What engagement is and is not. We’ll demystify the term and clarify what it is and how it differs from other concepts.

• The characteristics of, and differences between, transactional and relational engagement. We’ll explore the features of each, as well as supports and barriers to practicing each.

• The skills, knowledge, and strategies needed for successful relational engagement practice. We’ll learn about best practices in relational engagement and reflect on values, mindsets, and behaviours needed for success.

This session will include an interactive presentation, small group discussions (optional), and

Q & A. 

This CNAR workshop will close with a panel discussion by members of the regulatory community engaging in discussion about public engagement efforts in the regulatory context. Panelists will share insights, and practical approaches and strategies, from public engagement efforts they have been involved in. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the panelists during the Q & A. Panel information will be forthcoming. The discussion will be moderated by Lucy Becker, Vice-President, Public Affairs & Policy, Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority (RHRA), with panelists:

• Anna-Marie Nielsen, Director of Standards of Practice and Accreditation, Ontario College of Teachers (OCT)

• Lynsay Kurjata, Executive Director, College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Saskatchewan (CLPNS)

• Susan Prins, Director, Communications and Public Affairs, College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC)

Tannis Topolnisky

Lucy Becker

Anna-Marie Nielsen

Lynsay Kurjata

Susan Prins

Date: March 19, 2025

Time: 12:00 – 3:00 pm EST

Venue: Virtual (link to be provided to registrants closer to the event date)

Who should attend? This CNAR workshop is open to anyone from the regulatory community. It will be of particular interest to: 

• Individuals in any role – senior leaders, managers, and staff – involved in, preparing for, or contemplating, engagement efforts.

• Anyone who is looking to better understand engagement and learn about principles, tools, and strategies for engagement.

Please note that this event will be recorded for those unable to attend live. Replay access will be available exclusively to those who have registered in advance.

Members, Partners, and Suppliers: $220

Non-members: $260

Event registration for this event will close on March 18th at 5 p.m. ET. without exception