CPATA is committed to making evidence-based decisions and to being transparent with all our processes. We seek out expert advice, conduct research, consult with interested stakeholders and keep licensees and the public informed as we make key decisions. We do this because of a deep conviction that hearing a diversity of perspectives improves the quality of our regulatory activities.
With the goal of protecting and promoting the public interest, CPATA’s objective is to ensure that it:
- involves key stakeholders in decisions that will impact them; and
- keeps stakeholders informed throughout the decision-making process
When Does CPATA Consult
CPATA will engage in consultation when its Board of Directors or CEO determines that a policy or initiative would:
- impact the profession or the public significantly; or
- be improved by stakeholder feedback or subject-matter expertise
Who does CPATA Consult
CPATA’s approach to consultation is:
- Goal-directed: We request input to specific issues where external feedback will be most impactful
- Authentic: We consult not as a formality, but with the true intent of gathering useful information and implementing good ideas
- Proportionate: We aim to engage in a thorough consultation process, without adding unnecessary and burdensome costs or processes
- Timely: We provide enough time for sufficient feedback to be collected through one or more mechanisms of consultation. For feedback on consultation papers CPATA will usually provide 30-60 days for responses
- Flexible: We adapt our methods of consultation depending on the project and situation, favouring successful outcomes over proscribed systems
- Diverse: We ensure that we are hearing from a variety of sources to avoid overlooking key information
- Transparent: we communicate before, during and after consultation as appropriate to ensure that stakeholders are informed throughout the process
Ways We Seek Input
CPATA uses a range of different tools to seek input, and often combines different approaches. We tailor our approach to choose methods that best fit with project needs and goals. Our ways of obtaining input from licensees, stakeholders, partners and the public may include, for example:
- One-on-one discussions / interviews
- Online surveys of licensees, consumers, or others
- Focus groups of licensees, consumers, industry experts or others
- Expert panels to assist with regulatory initiatives (such as exam preparation and validation)
- Advisory groups (ad hoc groups to advise CPATA as needed)
- Consultation papers raising policy issues under consideration
Public Information about Consultations
CPATA will use its communication channels, such as its website, newsletter and social media, to disseminate information about consultations.