Communications Protcol
Principles
In communicating to the public, ALAP will follow these guiding principles:
- Transparency
- Collaboration
- Consultation
Purpose
Communications with the public are made to support/improve public awareness of access to justice issues, and to expand the public dialogue on access to justice issues.
Role and Responsibilities of the Chair
The Chair of ALAP, or his or her designate, is the public communications voice of ALAP.
The Chair, or his or her designate, shall prepare an annual Communications Strategy. The annual strategy is to be approved at the annual general meeting or, if further work is required following the annual general meeting, by the Executive as soon as practical thereafter.
The Chair shall communicate in a manner that is consistent with policy and protocols adopted by ALAP and its Executive, including the ALAP Communications Protocol and the approved Communications Strategy for that year.
Provincial or Territorial CEOs may bring matters that they consider appropriate for public communication or input to the attention of the Chair. A public affairs or communications committee may also be established for this purpose.
CEOs of member Plans will be polled by the Chair (either at a scheduled meeting of the Association, or by special teleconference, or by e-mail) regarding proposed public communications. Approval for communications must be given by at least two-thirds of Provincial or Territorial CEOs.
Official Languages
Public communications by ALAP will follow the requirements of the ALAP Official Languages Protocol.
Disassociation From Public ALAP Communications
A dissenting member Plan may disassociate itself in whole or in part from any public ALAP communication, and such dissent, and reasons for dissent if provided, shall be included by the Chair in any ALAP comment or press release.