Armchair Discussion: canada@150
6/16/2010
65 Guigues Street, Ottawa
8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)
Language: Bilingual
canada@150 was an innovative pilot project launched by the Clerk of the Privy Council under the banner of Public Service Renewal. It was about ensuring that today's federal public service can keep pace with change and meet future challenges. This project brought together 150 public servants in the early stages of their careers for a hands-on learning experience in policy development..
Celebrate National Public Service Week and the release of the canada@150 report with the ADM Champions and participants from this project. This discussion will focus on the following question: One year on, what did you learn and how are you applying it to your home-department? Listen to a group of participants as they share what they learned, how it is relevant to their jobs and how they are sharing the canada@150 vision for the future of the public service.
Speakers:
- Jean-François Tremblay is Assistant Deputy Minister Champion of canada@150
- Thomas Townsend is Assistant Deputy Minister Champion of canada@150
- Mark Matz canada@150 Secretariat
- canada@150 participants
You are invited to attend this session in person at the Canada School of Public Service, 65 Guigues Street, Ottawa (Ontario) by selecting Register. If you cannot attend in person, tune in via Webcast (live video and audio feed).
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Sustainable Development Research and Analysis
Armchair Discussion: The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity
5/19/2010
65 Guigues Street, Ottawa
On May 19, 2010, the Policy Research Initiative, in collaboration with Sustainable Prosperity, Environment Canada and the Canada School of Public Service, hosted Mr. Pavan Sukhdev, Special Advisor, Green Economy Initiative, United Nations Environment Programme.
Mr. Sukhdev spoke about the importance of linking economic growth with the protection of ecosystems. The United Nations Environment Programme is in the process of releasing the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity study. Mr. Pavan Sukhdev reviewed that report and provided strategies for creating informed policy options to address biodiversity and related topics.
Mr. Pavan Sukhdev leads the United Nations Environment Programme’s Green Economy Initiative, which includes the Green Economy Report, the Green Jobs report and The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity study (TEEB), of which he is also Study Leader. The Initiative, which is advising decision-makers across the globe on the transformation to a green economy, in countries as diverse as Jordan, Korea, Brazil and India, as well as European nations, has authored a number of leading international economic studies and reports on key issues and innovative new instruments, such as 'green' national accounts and payment for ecosystem services, and opportunities to make them work on the ground.
Presentation
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Place Based Approaches to Integrated Management
Critical Conversation on Place-Based Decision Making
3/22/2010
Ottawa
On March 22, 2010, the Critical Conversation on Place-Based Decision Making took place. This invitation-only event was co-hosted by the Policy Research Initiative, Environment Canada, the Major Projects Management Office (Natural Resources Canada) and Carleton University's Regulatory Governance Initiative (RGI).
The key question addressed at this event was the following: "From the perspective of sustainable development, what are the top three priorities to improve place-based analysis and decision-making and how can the federal government play a role?" The event coincided with the launch of a thematic edition of Horizons on place-based decision-making in the context of sustainability.
Critical Conversations® are workshops developed and hosted by the School of Public Policy and Administration at Carleton University. They are half-day events designed to push the boundaries of thinking by bringing together a mix of senior managers, practitioners and experts from different sectors.
Agenda
Critical Conversation Brief
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Place Based Approaches to Integrated Management
Bringing Place-Based Tools to Policy Development in the Federal Government
2/22/2010
Sheraton Ottawa
Place-based initiatives face challenges related to constraints on data availability, but they also show that knowledge creation can result from collaborative, trans-disciplinary efforts, which has lead to new management mechanisms. However, it is not clear what factors lead to successful data and knowledge sharing among departments or between jurisdictions and diverse disciplines.
This workshop should be seen as a first step in elaborating concrete solutions or mechanisms that support a more integrated and collaborative approach to knowledge management and planning in a place-based context. The workshop will aim to define and prioritize actionable items related to the theme of knowledge management and use for decision/policy that could be undertaken collectively by federal organizations in the medium and long-term to address our collective mandate of healthy and sustainable people, communities and ecosystems through place-based approaches.
Agenda
Presentations
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Pathways to a Low Carbon Society
Transitions to a Sustainable Future: The Dutch Energy Transition
2/9/2010
65 Guigues Street, Ottawa
Building on discussions in October 2009, “Transformational change toward sustainability” with Drs Jan Rotmans and Derk Loorbach, professors in Transition Management at Erasmus University, on the theory of transition management, PRI invited Hugo Brouwer, Director of the Interministerial Coordinating Committee for the Dutch Energy Transition, and Gerrit Jan Koopman, Managing Director, Royal Netherlands' Paper and Board Association to share their experience and explore the practical realities from a government and a private sector point of view, of implementing the theory of transition management over the past eight years in the Netherlands energy system. In a number of meetings with government officials, private sector representatives and researchers, these experienced players explored a variety of practical issues such as coordination across six ministries, funding and regulatory issues to innovation, knowledge management and communications and the roles of government, the private sector and other actors in the transition process. Their presentations, “Transitions to a Sustainable Future: The Dutch Energy Transition” and “Energy Transition in the Dutch Paper Production Chain” are presented below.
Transition management is an approach to orienting long-term change for sustainability that encourages system innovation beyond incremental solutions and system efficiency. Learning is a central policy goal. It builds on the idea that innovative approaches are needed to facilitate transformative change. The Dutch Government began its Energy Transition in 2001 in order to fight climate change, ensure energy security and enable Dutch companies to stay competitive on the international level.
Presentations
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Pathways to a Low Carbon Society
Presentation with Professor Paul Ekins
1/13/2010
Ottawa
On January 13, 2010 the Policy Research Initiative, in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, hosted Professor Paul Ekins, Director of the UK Green Fiscal Commission and Professor of Energy and Environment Policy at the University College London Energy Institute, for a presentation on environmental and economic policy in the UK.
Paul Ekins’ work focuses on the conditions and policies for achieving an environmentally sustainable economy with special focus on energy and climate policy, the modeling of the energy system, innovation, the role of economic instruments such as environmental taxes, sustainability assessment and environment and trade.
Paul Ekins PhD, MSc (Econ), MPhil (Peace Studies), is the head of the UK Green Fiscal Commission, that includes experts from business, leading academics, senior MPs from all three main UK political parties and representatives from consumer and environmental organisations. The commission's recent final report found that green fiscal reform emerges as a crucial policy to get the UK on a low-carbon trajectory, help develop the new industries that will both keep it there and provide competitive advantage for the UK in the future; and contribute to restoring UK fiscal stability after the recession.
Paul Ekins is also Professor of Energy and Environment Policy at the Energy Institute, University College London, and Co-Director of the UK Energy Research Centre, in charge of its Energy Systems theme. He also leads UCL's involvement in a large research consortia on Bioenergy and Hydrogen and is Chairman of the National Industrial Symbiosis Programme which promotes resource efficiency in industry.
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The Social Management of Risk
Foresight Roundtable on the Community Sector, Social Innovation and the Social Management of Risks
12/8/2009
Fairmont Château Laurier, Ottawa, Ontario
Policy Research Initiative (PRI) is hosting roundtable discussion on change drivers affecting the future role of the community sector (broadly defined), particularly as a source of social innovation and of social support in helping Canadians manage a variety of risks. This event is held as part of the PRI’s broader project on the social management of risk, which aims to identify the evolving strengths and weaknesses of key social actors – including families, the community, the market sector, as well as governments – in helping individuals deal with a broad range of risks over the course of their lives.
Agenda
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Sustainable Development Research and Analysis
Meeting with Dutch researchers Jan Rotmans and Derk Loorbach
10/28/2009 - 10/29/2009
Ottawa
On October 28 and 29, 2009, the Policy Research Initiative hosted two leading scholars in the field of transition management: Professors Jan Rotmans and Derk Loorbach from the Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Professors Rotmans and Loorbach gave presentations at the University of Ottawa, Carleton University, the Canada School of Public Service, as well as an additional three presentations to federal public servants from various departments. These sessions addressed transition approaches for sustainability and generated lively discussion and key insights.
Please follow the links below for short bios on Professors Rotmans and Loorbach, a short description of the Dutch transition approach accompanied by PowerPoint slides of their presentation and web links to further resources on the topics discussed.
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Armchair Discussion: Unbundling and Globalization
9/23/2009
65 Guigues Street, Ottawa
8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. (ET)
The Policy Research Initiative presents an Armchair Discussion in partnership with the Canada School of Public Service. The theme of the discussion will be: Unbundling and Globalization.
Language: English
Professor Richard Baldwin will present the new-paradigm globalization which focuses on the unbundling of goods and services and the concept of trade in tasks. Professor Baldwin will also discuss the significance of these emerging trends for international trade and for North American economic integration, in particular in the context of the current economic crisis, and will examine some of the potential policy implications for the Government of Canada.
You are invited to attend this session at 65 Guigues Street (Ottawa) by selecting "Register" . If you cannot attend in person, tune in via Webcast (live video and audio feed) by selecting "Register – Webcast".
Speaker: Richard Edward Baldwin is Professor of International Economics at the Graduate Institute, Geneva since 1991, Policy Director of the Centre for Economic Policy Research (Europe's leading economic research network, commonly referred to as the CEPR) since 2006, Editor-in-Chief of Vox since he founded it in June 2007, and an elected Member of the Council of the European Economic Association.
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Armchair Discussion - Social Innovation in a Community Setting
8/20/2009
65 Guigues Street, Ottawa
The Policy Research Initiative presented an Armchair Discussion in partnership with the Canada School of Public Service. The theme of the discussion was: Social Innovation in a Community Setting: The evolving role and comparative advantage of community sector organizations in the provision of social support.
Language: English
Policymakers need to turn their attention to who is best placed to meet the changing needs of Canadians, given the uncertainty surrounding the current recession and growing concerns over its longer-term interactions with other key change drivers.
Dan Vale spoke about community sector organizations as sources of social innovation, that is, of finding and developing new and better ways of meeting these needs. Participants had the opportunity to reflect on the changing role played by the community sector and on how governments may better achieve their objectives in collaboration with that sector.
Speaker: Dan Vale, leads a major project on mapping unmet and emerging needs at the UK-based Young Foundation. He joined the Young Foundation in October 2007. He has nearly 20 years experience in UK civil society organizations in various senior positions.
Presentation
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Incorporating Climate Change and Other Environmental Risks into Management
Integrating Climate Change Considerations into HRSDC’s Deparmental Risk Management
4/15/2009
Palais des Congrès - Hull
A Workshop that was Sponsored by the Policy Research Initiative and HRSDC
Agenda
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Place Based Approaches to Integrated Management
Collaborating Around Spatial Approaches to Integrated Management
3/31/2009
Ottawa
On March 31st 2009, The Policy Research Initiative, in collaboration with Environment Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Northern Affairs Canada, held a one day workshop on ‘Collaborating Around Spatial Approaches to Integrated Management’. Close to 60 people attended the workshop, representing fourteen Federal departments and agencies including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, Canadian Heritage, Environment Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Industry Canada, Infrastructure Canada, National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy, Natural Resources Canada, Parks Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, and Statistics Canada.
The objectives of the workshop were to:
- Explore the benefits of, and challenges with, spatial approaches to Integrated Management for the federal government;
- Foster a common understanding of the benefits of, and challenges to, spatial approaches to Integrated Management for the federal government;
- Develop a common rationale at the federal level to clarify why and when spatial approaches to Integrated Management would be preferred means to attain policy objectives;
The workshop featured several presentations from key experts and panellists, with a view to foster debates between the participants.
Agenda
Background document on Spatial Approaches to Integrated Management
Presentations
Bernard Cantin - Overview of Integrated Management (IM)
Livia Bizikova - Lessons Learned and Perspectives: Assessments of 10 ILM Projects
Anthony Charles - Integrated Management: A Coastal Community Perspective
Barry Sadler - Spatial Approaches to Integrated Management as a Sustainability Instrument
Jacques Bourgault - Gestion horizontale: perspectives pour développement durable
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Regulatory Strategy
Integrated Assessment Workshop for Regulatory Impact
3/11/2009
Ottawa
Decision-makers in regulatory agencies need informative and usable regulatory analyses so that they can readily understand the benefits, costs, and key uncertainties associated with the various policy options under consideration. While regulatory impact analyses (RIAs) are clearly important for addressing these issues, there are several challenges inherent in developing useful regulatory analyses. These challenges include (but are not limited to) the need to:
- Conduct risk assessments to quantify often hard-to-estimate and highly uncertain outcomes, such as changes in risks to public health and/or the environment
- Apply economic techniques to monetize (i.e., value in dollar terms) the physical outcomes associated with regulatory options (e.g., changes in health or environmental risks)
- Use engineering analysis to assess the technical feasibility, performance, and cost of a range of potential regulatory options or compliance strategies
- Evaluate the distributional (equity) and competitiveness (efficiency) impacts of the various regulatory options
- Consider and portray nonquantifiable and/or nonmonetizable outcomes, especially where such qualitative benefits or costs may be very important regulatory outcomes
- Integrate the above pieces of analysis ¡V often developed by professionals from different technical disciplines and different organizational niches ƒ{ in order to develop a unified and cogent final analysis
- Communicate the empirical and qualitative findings, including the underlying uncertainties, in a way that truly helps to inform the decision-makers.
In light of these challenges, PRI brought together ¡V in a facilitated hands-on workshop ¡V a range of federal agency professionals engaged in environmental, health, and safety regulatory analysis and decision-making. The purpose of the workshop was to increase the participants¡¦ understanding of the different types of analyses and disciplines that need to be integrated to form a sound regulatory policy analysis.
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Sustainable Development Research and Analysis
Adaptive Policy-Making
2/4/2009
Ottawa
On February 4, 2009, the Policy Research Initiative and the Rural Development Network hosted a presentation by Darren Swanson from the International Institute of Sustainable Development (IISD) on Creating adaptive policies: seven things policymakers should know to craft better policies in today's dynamic and uncertain world. The presentation was based on A Guide to Creating Adaptive Policies, a book due to be published in June 2009 by the IISD and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) (India), made possible with a grant from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). This book examines the challenge that policy-makers face in today’s inter-connected, fast-paced and changing world, and presents seven tools that policy-makers can use to help ensure that their policies perform under these dynamic and uncertain conditions. The tools that were discussed are relevant to all government departments. Specific examples were drawn from agriculture, water resources management and climate change.
Adaptive policies are a special type of policy created for the complexity of the 21st century. Policies of this type anticipate the variety of situations that lie ahead through robust design using (1) integrated and forward-looking analysis, (2) multi-stakeholder deliberation and by monitoring key performance indicators to trigger (3) automatic policy adjustments. But not all circumstances can be foreseen. Adaptive policies are able to move toward positive outcomes in settings that cannot be predicted in advance. This can be accomplished by doing (4) regular and systematic policy reviews and improvements and by working with certain aspects of complex adaptive systems, such as (5) leveraging the self-organizing and social-networking capacity of communities, (6) decentralizing decision-making to the lowest and most effective jurisdictional level, and by (7) promoting variation in policy responses. This presentation elaborated on these seven tools as a practical guide for policy-makers who work on complex issues.
Agenda
Presentation
Brochure on Adaptive Policy
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Sustainable Development Research and Analysis
Meeting with David Pannell
10/23/2008
Prioritizing investments is crucial for effective environmental policy and programs. What are the necessary tools to identify and create effective, targeted strategies? How can we compare public and private net benefits to help determine the most effective policy options to influence the behaviours of individuals?
On October 23, 2008, the Policy Research Initiative hosted Professor David Pannell, Director of the Centre for Environmental Economics and Policy from the University of Western Australia, who addressed these questions and more at a roundtable with officials from the federal government. Professor Pannell gave two presentations, followed by lively discussion. The first dealt with lessons learned from Australian approaches to environmental policy, and the second described a cost / benefit framework for choosing policy tools to address environmental challenges. Please follow the links below for a short bio on Professor Pannell, short descriptions of his presentations accompanied by PowerPoint slides and web links to further resources on the topics discussed.
For more information....
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Other Research Activities
Fourth Annual Symposium of the PWFC
9/12/2008 - 10/12/2008
Hilton Lac-Leamy
The Population, Work and Family Policy Research Collaboration (PWFC) is a partnership of federal departments and strategic research clusters of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) in the areas of labour market, population change and the lifecourse. The initiative was created in March 2005 to help coordinate their respective activities and increase their effectiveness in contributing to the medium-term public policy agenda.
For more information....
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The Impacts of Federal Science
Public Science and the Marketplace: Connecting, Measuring and Reporting
9/11/2008
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Objective
To explore how governments support researchers and innovators to develop new ideas and bring them to the marketplace, and how to measure and report on these efforts by governments.
Co-sponsors
Industry Canada, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, National Research Council, the Telfer School at the University of Ottawa, and the Policy Research Initiative. Financial support also provided by the Federal Partners in Technology Transfer.
By invitation
For more information....
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Regulatory Strategy
The Future of Strategic Evidence-Based Regulation
3/13/2008
National Arts Centre
The Policy Research Initiative, in collaboration with the Treasury Board Secretariat and Health Canada, organized a conference under the theme of “The Future of Strategic Evidence-Based Regulation.” The conference was held on March 13, 2008 in Ottawa at the National Arts Centre, was primarily focused on transferring knowledge to the regulatory community on conducting defensible cost-benefit analyses.
Agenda
Presentations
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Incorporating Climate Change and Other Environmental Risks into Management
Incorporating Climate Change into Invasive Species Risk Assessment
3/11/2008
The Policy Research Initiative and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency hosted a one-day workshop that focused on the integration of climate change considerations into invasive species risk assessment within the federal government. In general, a risk assessment process that incorporates the potential impacts associated with climate change will inform policy makers and allow them to integrate adaptation into departmental planning processes.
Risk assessment is a fundamental component of the government of Canada’s invasive species strategy and would appear to be the appropriate place in which to integrate climate change impacts.
The purpose of the workshop was to increase the awareness of climate change, its impacts and the issue of adaptation amongst federal risk assessors and policy analysts, and in the context of invasive species, examine how climate change can be integrated into the risk assessment process.
By invitation only
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Engaging US Think-Tanks
Canada-US Workshop on Youth Mental Health - Healthy Transitions to Adulthood
3/11/2008
Washington, DC
The Canada-US Workshop on Youth Mental Health – Healthy Transitions to Adulthood was held on November 3, 2008, as part of the Engaging US Think-Tanks initiative, which is intended to advance medium-term research on issues that have important public policy implications for Canada and the United States.
For more information....
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Other Research Activities
Policy in Practice: Shaping Canada’s Future
2/25/2008 - 2/26/2008
On February 25-26, 2008, the Canada School of Public Service presented the 2008 Government of Canada Policy Learning Event “Policy in Practice: Shaping Canada’s Future”.
Through a combination of dynamic and provocative keynote speakers and interactive workshops spanning the public policy spectrum, participants gained varying perspectives on the most important issues facing Canada, while making connections between specific policies and their impact on Canadians.
Featuring great guest speakers:
• John Ibbitson, Washington Globe and Mail
• Jeffrey Simpson, Globe and Mail
• Michael Geist, University of Ottawa
• Wesley Wark, University of Toronto
• Clare Demerse, Pembina Institute
• Brock Carlton, Federation of Canadian Municipalities
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Other Research Activities
Public Policy Forum and PRI Joint Roundtable on Collaborative Governance
2/14/2008
On February 14, 2008, the Public Policy Forum and the Policy Research Initiative co-hosted a roundtable which was attended by senior leaders from the federal government, the voluntary and NGO sectors and academia. They met to discuss the emergence of collaborative governance arrangements and the implications of that emergence for the roles of the federal government.
Participants were asked to comment about the changes they see in the policy environment and the ways in which the federal government might evolve to address those changes effectively. In particular, they were asked to consider why collaboration is emerging as a policy tool, the kinds of challenges it presents, steps the federal government can take to make itself useful to potential partners (and vice-versa), and whether government has the right mix of institutions, culture and people to make collaboration work.
PDF
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Population Aging and Life-Course Flexibility
Third Annual Symposium of the PWFC
12/13/2007 - 12/14/2007
Ottawa Congress Centre
The third annual PWFC Symposium discussed the social and economic well-being of Canada’s population in 2017. Research and policy discussions focused on the future policy implications of significant structural changes, notably the aging population, the changing nature of work, increasing diversity and shifts in family and societal norms.
For more information....
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Other Research Activities
Pre-Symposium: Data Development and Modelling Seminar
12/12/2007
Ottawa Congress Centre
The third annual PWFC Symposium was preceded by a full day of presentations, workshops, and discussions on data development and modelling exercises.
For more information....
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Multicultural Canada in the 21st Century: Harnessing Opportunities and Managing Pressures
Perspectives of Integration: Experiences of the 2nd Generation and Policy Implications
8/23/2007
IDRC, Ottawa
At the PRI Policy Seminar, the following questions where explored:
1) How do the children of immigrants define their identity?
2) How successful are they socially and economically?
3) What factors affect the intersection of socio-economic success and personal identity?
4) What are the implications for policy?
Focusing on the policy implications of recent demographic shifts within Canada’s population of newcomers, this half-day event was anchored by presentations by leading researchers from Canada and the international stage.
Agenda
Biographies
Presentations
Policy Matters
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Investing in Youth: Evidence from Policy, Practice, and Research
Investing in Youth Roundtable
6/20/2007
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ottawa
As part of its interdepartmental research project Investing in Youth: Evidence from Policy, Practice and Research, the PRI commissioned a series of background papers to Canadian experts, based on recent theoretical and empirical studies. A roundtable was organized to provide a forum for the authors of the papers and also for other experts in the field to share key insights from their research and discuss policy implications. The roundtable was attended by a group of approximately thirty senior policy and research representatives from different groups and departments involved in the project. The discussion informed the development of an analytical framework for youth research and policy development.
This was an invitation only event.
Untitled Document
Agenda
Biographies
Summary of presentations
Presentations
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Freshwater for the Future
Entitlements, Allocations and Trading: Thinking about Canada's Water
3/20/2007
56 Sparks Street
Australia is part way through a major water reform program. Water licences have been turned into property, become tradable and dramatically risen in value. Major institutional reforms are under way and prices are being increased. What lessons and traps are there for Canada? How could water be managed? How does one start to get the balance between allocations to the environment and allocations to irrigators and towns right. How does one manage a system that does not have dams? Can markets be used to manage quality as well as quantity? What can be learned from the systems being put in place in Australia to manage large rivers, short rivers and groundwater systems?
In this seminar, Mike Young attempted to adapt experience from Australia and elsewhere to Canada.
By invitation only
For more information....
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Sustainable Development Research Program
Workshop on Demographics and the Environment
3/5/2007 - 3/6/2007
Minto Suite Hotel
Ottawa, ON
The Policy Research Initiative (PRI) hosted a workshop on March 5th and 6th, 2007 on possible linkages between population characteristics and the environment. Canadian and international experts presented current thinking on the issue on March 5th. A general discussion between academics and representatives from the provinces, NGOs, and the federal policy community on March 6th helped identify knowledge gaps and prioritize future research effort for PRI's Sustainable Development research team.
This was an invitation only event.
Untitled Document
Agenda
Presentations
Workshop Backgrounder
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Other Research Activities
The Science-Policy Interface: Water and Climate Change, and the Energy-Water Nexus
2/10/2007
Washington DC
A workshop involving prominent academics, scientists, and researchers was held at the Woodrow Wilson Centre, Washington, on October 2, 2007 on science-policy issues relating to water and its relationship to climate change and energy use. The workshop followed on the initiative of Howard Alper (University of Ottawa) and Heather Munroe-Blum (McGill University).
Scholars focused on two major aspects of water policy in North America: water and climate change, and the energy-water nexus. The workshop had two broad objectives: to share science and research among experts on various aspects of water issues, and contribute to a better understanding of the forward work agenda of researchers in Canada and the United States.
Themes
Water and climate change explored the science and responses to the effects of climate change on water availability and quality (including conservation, allocation and use efficiency, in-stream flow regime requirements for ecosystem protection, infrastructure issues, agricultural water-use, and related issues).
The energy-water nexus considered issues around the use of energy in supplying municipal water and sewage services in domestic water-use, and in supplying irrigation water for agriculture, and the use of water in energy production.
For more information on the PRI project on Freshwater for the Future, please click here.
Agenda (including presentations)
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Investing in Youth: Evidence from Policy, Practice, and Research
Canadian and International Perspectives on Youth Policy and Research
12/12/2006 - 12/13/2006
IDRC, Ottawa
The Policy Research Initiative hosted an expert seminar followed by a roundtable on December 12-13 2006, to scope out issues and explore possible directions for horizontal research on youth policy and youth at risk issues. Canadian and international experts presented most recent thinking, perspectives and international developments in the area of youth policy and research, with a special focus on youth at risk issues. This invitation-only event gathered senior government researchers and policy makers across the federal government.
Untitled Document
Agenda
Presentations
Backgrounder
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Other Research Activities
Canada-China Symposium on Social Inclusion and Economic Development
12/12/2006 - 12/15/2006
Beijing, China
The IEA of CASS, in partnership with the Policy Research Initiative (PRI), the Canadian Embassy in Beijing, and the Organizing Committee for the 16 th International Congress of Anthropological and Ethnological Sciences (ICAES 2008), held a Canada-China Symposium on Social Inclusion and Economic Development.
For more information....
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Other Research Activities
PRDG meeting
10/3/2006
Ottawa
The primary purpose of the meeting was to give departments an opportunity to present to the PRDG proposals for new data development projects. Other agenda items included scheduling of the annual workplan-sharing meeting and the discussion of the establishment of advisory committees for ongoing projects.
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Population Aging and Life-Course Flexibility
Second Annual Symposium of the PWFC
7/12/2006 - 8/12/2006
Château Cartier, Gatineau, QC
The Population, Work and Family Policy Research Collaboration (PWFC) is a partnership of federal departments and supported research clusters of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) in the areas of labour market, population change and the life-course. The initiative was created in March 2005 to facilitate the coordination of these partners and increase the benefits of collaboration in subjects relevant for the medium-term public policy agenda.
The second annual PWFC Symposium discussed whether social, demographic and economic changes, and the policies which influence them, are translating into better outcomes for individuals and nations. Plenary sessions addressed new research issues that form a backdrop for policy development. Concurrent sessions and poster sessions shared the research findings of the three academic clusters.
For more information....
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Sustainable Development Research Program
Freshwater for the Future - Conference on Freshwater Policy
5/8/2006 - 5/10/2006
Gatineau
This three-day conference explored central aspects of freshwater policy, from drinking water to ensuring ecosystem services, and from boundary waters to international development. The conference was a milestone in Canadian freshwater policy development for federal, provincial, and local decision-makers, as well as for academics and non-governmental organizations.
For more information....
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Population Aging and Life-Course Flexibility
First Annual PWFC Symposium
3/23/2006 - 3/24/2006
Ottawa
The PWF Collaboration has been in operation since March 2005. The purpose of the PWFC is to facilitate the coordination, and spread the benefits, of collaboration between the federal government and the research community in subjects relevant for the government's medium-term policy agenda.
Current partners in the PWFC come from both the federal government and the SSHRC-funded research clusters.
The purpose of this first symposium was to build awareness and interest in the PWFC. The symposium tested the format for an annual policy research symposium that will focus on the sharing between government and academic research communities of medium-term, policy-relevant insights and research needs. A feature of the PWFC will be to involve young researchers in this evolving national partnership.
Special themes for this symposium were the use of the Life-Course Framework in policy research, and “flexicurity” as new guiding concept for policy development.
For more information....
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Social Capital as a Public Policy Tool
Social Capital Considerations in Aboriginal Policy Development
3/21/2006
This session was in connection with the Aboriginal Policy Research Conference. It explored social capital and provide policy makers at INAC and Aboriginal organizations and communities with practical examples of the application of social capital theory and its relevance for Aboriginal policy development.
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Other Research Activities
Communities Under Pressure: The Role of Co-operatives and the Social Economy
3/3/2006
Ottawa
A one-day policy conference for policy makers, researchers and practitioners concerned with co-operatives, the social economy and community development. The event was co-sponsored by the Policy Research Initiative, Human Resources and Social Development, the Co-operatives Secretariat of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the interdisciplinary research team, “Co-operative Membership and Globalization: Creating Social Cohesion Through Market Relations,” which is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
The conference examined the experiences of an important component of the social economy in order to inform the development of new responses by organizations and governments to the challenges communities face as a result of globalization.
Presentations
Program
Synthesis Report
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Social Capital as a Public Policy Tool
Social Capital and Public Policy Seminar
3/2/2006
Toronto
This seminar was organized by the Department of Sociology of the University of Toronto and the Policy Research Initiative of the Government of Canada. The event was intended for academics, federal and provincial policy makers and community practitioners and featured the conclusions of a major federal interdepartmental initiative on social capital and recent academic research on the role of social networks in achieving policy outcomes in Canada.
Presentation
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Social Capital as a Public Policy Tool
A Tool for Public Policy: Briefing Seminar
2/6/2006
Alberta
This seminar was hosted by Research on Aging, Policies and Practice, Department of Human Ecology, University of Alberta. It was intended for academics, federal and provincial policy makers and community practitioners and featured the conclusions of a major federal interdepartmental initiative on social capital and recent research on the role of social capital in aging well.
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Place Based Approaches to Integrated Management
Developing a Community of Practice for Mapping Water Issues
1/20/2006
Ottawa
This one-day PRI-NRCan workshop aimed to develop a community of practice interested in mapping policy issues related to freshwater. These may be as diverse as the number of cows upstream of drinking water intakes or the overlapping regions of interest for various non-government organizations involved in water and landscape management; the focus of the workshop was to bring together the practitioners in order to foster the coherency and interoperability of their efforts.
Agenda
Presentations
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Place Based Approaches to Integrated Management
Geospatial Information Needs for Integrated Land / Marine Management
1/19/2006 - 1/20/2006
Ottawa
This two-day PRI-NRCan workshop focused on the renewed Geoconnections program's future role in helping to develop the information sharing mechanisms and communities of practice needed to promote integrated land / marine management in Canada.
Agenda
Presentations
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North American Linkages
North American Regulatory Cooperation: A Results Agenda
12/8/2005
Ottawa
The purpose of this event was to present recent research, prepared by both the PRI and commissioned from external experts, on key issues and international experiences in international regulatory cooperation, and how these are applicable to the current North American agenda. This event brought together international experts and practitioners in the field of international regulatory cooperation.
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North American Linkages
Regional Roundtables: The Emergence of Cross-Border Regions
11/23/2005 - 3/7/2006
The Policy Research Initiative (PRI) in partnership with Western Economic Diversification Canada, Economic Development Canada, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the International Centre for Governance Innovation conducted a number of regional roundtables on the emergence of cross-border regions in the past few months. The objectives of these events were two fold: first, to present the results of the PRI study and confirm the emergence of cross-border regions identified between Canada and the U.S., and second to obtain the participants’ point of view on the emergence of cross-border regions and their impact on the Government of Canada’s policies.
Untitled Document
Montreal - November 23, 2005
Winnipeg - February 14, 2006
Vancouver - February 16, 2006
Waterloo - February 28, 2006
Sackville - March 3, 2006
Ottawa - March 7, 2006
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Population Aging and Life-Course Flexibility
Federation of Canadian Demographers: Longitudinal studies and demographic challenges
11/18/2005 - 11/19/2005
Montreal
The focus of this conference was on the various transitions and trajectories that can be studied using longitudinal data. The conference was organized around six broad themes, encouraging research in a number of domains. These include the family, work and education, programme and benefit use, as well as international migration and other transitions related to demographic behaviour.
For more information....
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Freshwater for the Future
Canadian Water Sustainability Index (CWSI) Workshop
11/17/2005 - 11/18/2005
Ottawa
This was a two-day workshop to discuss the development of the CWSI as a measure of the overall sustainability of freshwater resources as it relates to a variety of uses and functions that are relevant to Canadian communities. The workshop involved presentations from experts as well as breakout sessions to refine an initial structure for the CWSI with respect to the variables that will need to be incorporated. The workshop included water experts and practitioners from government, First Nations, NGOs and industry.
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People, Places, Policies: Engaging Communities in Policy Making
11/4/2005 - 11/5/2005
Queen's University
The development of a national place-based policy framework requires that the policy landscape and the relationship between different levels of government and between the public, private and voluntary sectors be thought of in a different way. This conference addressed the following questions: What challenges does place-based policy represent to the policy and practice of voluntary organizations? What are the opportunities for new thinking and action under this framework?
For more information contact Rachel Laforest (Queen's University) at 613-533-6000 ext. 77264.
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Place Based Approaches to Integrated Management
Integrated Landscape Management
11/3/2005
Kemptville, ON
This meeting, in Kemptville, was hosted by the Eastern Ontario Model Forest in collaboration with Environment Canada and Natural Resources Canada. It intended to develop concrete plans for moving towards integrated landscape management in Canada, possibly including using the Eastern Ontario Model Forest as a pilot project.
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Other Research Activities
Evidence-Based Public Policy: New Tools from Experimental Economics
10/24/2005 - 10/25/2005
Château Cartier, Aylmer, Quebec
Economic and behavioural experiments represent a promising set of tools for testing human behaviour in various real-life settings, with application to a range of practical public policy and programming problems. The PRI and CIRANO (Center for Interuniversity Research and Analysis on Organizations) hosted a 1 1/2-day conference on the policy applications of experimental research. The event intended for policy researchers and policy makers interested in the potential of this powerful methodology to inform policy decisions in areas as diverse as healthcare, education and training, social policy, industrial and regulatory policy, energy and the environment, and fiscal policy.
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Population Aging and Life-Course Flexibility
Canadian Association on Gerontology
10/20/2005 - 10/22/2005
Halifax, Nova Scotia
We cannot change the reality of a rapidly aging society. The demographics of the future are well known. However, there is much that all disciplines in the field of gerontology, government, the non-profit sector and individuals, including seniors and baby-boomers, can do to have a direct impact on aging in Canada. Participants explored new ways to Navigate Aging.
For more information....
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New Approaches for Addressing Poverty and Exclusion
10th International Metropolis: “Our Diverse Cities: Migration, Diversity and Change”
10/17/2005 - 10/21/2005
Toronto
The 10th International Metropolis Conference featured some of the world's key thinkers who stimulated debate on: increasing diversity's affect on the economic, social, cultural, justice, and political aspects of the world's cities; benefits and challenges of diversity; and, are national migration policies consistent with the interests of the cities?
For more information....
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Other Research Activities
PRDG Meeting: Research Collaboration/Clusters - Environment
10/11/2005
At the June 30, 2005 workplan-sharing meeting, departments expressed interest in extending the discussions on selected horizontal policy issues (productivity, pressures from emerging markets, and human capital/post-secondary education). Four meetings were scheduled, one per issue area, to facilitate information sharing and interdepartmental collaboration in policy research.
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Other Research Activities
PRDG Meeting: Research Collaboration/Clusters - Human Capital/Post-Secondary Education
9/26/2005
At the June 30, 2005 workplan-sharing meeting, departments expressed interest in extending the discussions on selected horizontal policy issues (productivity, pressures from emerging markets, and human capital/post-secondary education). Four meetings were scheduled, one per issue area, to facilitate information sharing and interdepartmental collaboration in policy research.
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Freshwater for the Future
IISD Prairie Water Symposium
9/23/2005 - 9/24/2005
Winnipeg
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) held an invitational Prairie Water Policy Symposium: From Cumulative Threats to Integrated Responses. The symposium reviewed bio-physical stresses in the prairies, recognized innovations and challenges in water management strategies at mutliple scales, examined best management practices, and identified critical issues in managing the transition to integrated water resources management.
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Other Research Activities
PRDG Meeting: Research Collaboration/Clusters - Productivity
9/20/2005
At the June 30, 2005 workplan-sharing meeting, departments expressed interest in extending the discussions on selected horizontal policy issues (productivity, pressures from emerging markets, and human capital/post-secondary education). Four meetings were scheduled, one per issue area, to facilitate information sharing and interdepartmental collaboration in policy research.
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Freshwater for the Future
Water Quality Trading Workshop
9/19/2005 - 9/20/2005
La Grange, Cantley
In cooperation with Agriculture and Agrifood Canada and Environment Canada, the PRI's Sustainable Development project is examining water quality trading for managing water pollution, particularly from agricultural sources. This two-day invitational workshop (Sept. 19-20) included an optional pre-workshop excursion (Sunday, Sept. 18) to the South Nation River watershed, the site of Canada's only current active water quality trading system.
For more information please contact Bernard Cantin at 613-992-3660 or by email at b.cantin@prs-srp.gc.ca.
For more information....
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Other Research Activities
Canadian Public Health Association 96th Annual Conference
9/18/2005 - 9/21/2005
Westin Ottawa and Ottawa Congress Centre
Mapping the Future of Public Health: People, Places and Policies
The Canadian Public Health Association 96th Annual Conference was organized by the Canadian Institute for Health Information – Canadian Population Health Initiative (CIHI-CPHI), Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Institute of Population and Public Health (CIHR-IPPH) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). The conference focused on policy- and practice-relevant research in population health and much more.
For more information....
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Other Research Activities
PRDG Meeting: Research Collaboration/Clusters - Emerging Markets
9/14/2005
At the June 30, 2005 workplan-sharing meeting, departments expressed interest in extending the discussions on selected horizontal policy issues (productivity, pressures from emerging markets, and human capital/post-secondary education). Four meetings were scheduled, one per issue area, to facilitate information sharing and interdepartmental collaboration in policy research.
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Other Research Activities
PRDG Meeting: Data Access
9/13/2005
The meeting was an opportunity for departments to learn about new processes for accessing detailed survey data at Statistics Canada and for departments to share any concerns they may have about data access.
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North American Linkages
North American Linkages Research Directions: Workshop
6/22/2005
In light of significant changes in the global and North American political economy, International Trade Canada, Industry Canada, and the Policy Research Initiative jointly held, on June 22, 2005, a workshop to discuss an updated research agenda. The workshop involved presentations by experts from a variety of fields and was attended by a diverse group of academic researchers, non-governmental organizations, and senior government officials from both research and policy groups. The main objective of the workshop was to contribute to the prioritization of topics for research over the medium term (three to five years), based on perceived future policy needs and the expected contribution of research to policy development. This report draws from the presentations and ensuing discussion some of the main themes and directions, without specific attribution.
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New Approaches for Addressing Poverty and Exclusion
Canadians and Their Money: A National Symposium on Financial Capability
6/9/2005 - 6/10/2005
Government Conference Centre, Ottawa
This symposium featured national and international representatives from government, academia, the non-profit sector, and business. Presentations and discussions over the two days of the event focussed on the role financial education and improved financial knowledge can play in reducing socio-economic vulnerability and increasing the effectiveness of programs intended to reduce exclusion.
For more information....
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Place Based Approaches to Integrated Management
Water Quality Trading: Biophysical and Land-use Parameters
5/27/2005
Between 15 and 20 specialists in water science and policy gathered to discuss the science issues that may contribute to decisions to develop or not develop water quality trading markets in Canada. Themes included the biogeochemistry of specific pollutants and aspects of the watershed, such as the role of groundwater and land use. Differences in pollution "signatures" between economic sectors were also examined, although the emphasis was on the agricultural sector.
Workshop partner: Agriculture and Agri-food Canada. By invitation only.
For more information please contact Bernard Cantin at 613-992-3660 or by email at b.cantin@prs-srp.gc.ca.
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Other Research Activities
Canadian Families Under Pressure?
5/19/2005 - 5/20/2005
Montréal
Quebec Inter-University Centre for Social Statistics (QICSS)
This conference provided an opportunity to discuss the multiple challenges that families face, drawing on the various Canadian surveys available in the Research Data Centres. What factors cause or influence the changes we are observing? What are the economic and social impacts of these changes? What policies and programs could be set up to better respond to individuals’ and families’ needs?
For more information....
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Sustainable Development Research Program
Visioning a Federal Facility for Integrated Landscape Management Modelling
2/28/2005 - 3/1/2005
Delta Ottawa, Victoria Room
Invitation Workshop
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Exploring New Approaches to Social Policy
12/13/2004 - 12/15/2005
Ottawa Congress Centre
On December 13-15, 2004 the PRI presented a milestone conference on new approaches to social policy. Building on interdepartmental research from three PRI social policy projects, the conference objectives were twofold: to describe, based on research results, the social, economic, and demographic challenges and opportunities most likely to affect social policy in the medium term; and to assess new and underutilized approaches for addressing such challenges and for capitalizing on opportunities.
The second objective dominated the agenda, with many sessions exploring different approaches to social policy issues. The format and general substance of the conference were discussed at an interdepartmental meeting at the beginning of September 2004.
For program information, contact Jean Kunz by e-mail at j.kunz@prs-srp.gc.ca or by telephone at 613-992-5193.
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New Approaches for Addressing Poverty and Exclusion
Working Poor and Precarious Work
11/8/2004
This roundtable assessed our understanding of the working poor in relation to precarious employment, and identified current and emerging approaches for addressing working poor and precarious work issues that have been used in Canada and elsewhere.
Untitled Document
Roundtable Program
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North American Linkages
Canada - US Regulatory Co-operation: Charting the Path Forward
10/29/2004
This symposium featured an interim report summarizing research results to date for representatives from universities, governments, and the private sector. The next phase of the project was also discussed in light of the forthcoming release of the report of the External Advisory Committee on Smart Regulations.
For more information....
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New Approaches for Addressing Poverty and Exclusion
Housing and Homeless Issues
10/20/2004
IDRC, Ottawa
This workshop explored the role of housing, both as a dimension and a determinant of exclusion, and focused research attention on clarifying the public role in terms of ensuring access to adequate and affordable housing and, by extension, to a quality living environment.
Untitled Document
Roundtable program
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New Approaches for Addressing Poverty and Exclusion
Policy Research Needed to Support the Social Economy
9/28/2004
Delta Ottawa Hotel
This roundtable explored how research can support the policy development needed to follow up on the Government's recent pronouncements on the social economy as a promising means for meeting the needs of Canadians.
For more information....
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Population Aging and Life-Course Flexibility
Social Policy and the Life-Course Perspective
8/23/2004 - 8/25/2004
2004 Queen's International Institute on Social Policy (QIISP)
Once again, the Policy Research Initiative joined the QIISP in the presentation of an annual summer institute, bringing together senior officials and policy-makers to review recent research findings and to discuss major directions in social policy. Organized by the Queen's University School of Policy Study, in partnership with the PRI and Social Development Canada, the primary objective of the QIISP is knowledge transfer. This year's program emphasized the need to take a life-course perspective in the analysis of social exclusion, work-family balance, and other social policy issues.
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North American Linkages
North American Integration: The Emergence of Cross-Border Regions
6/21/2004 - 6/22/2004
Westin Hotel, Ottawa
This invitational roundtable brought together international and Canadian experts to examine the sub-national dimensions of the Canada-US economic integration. Topics covered include: the territorial recomposition of economic activities and the emergence of cross-border regionalism, the institutional dynamics of province/state relationships, and the reconfiguration of the value and cultural space in a decade of growing interdependence. A special emphasis was put on the policy implications for the Government of Canada.
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Place Based Approaches to Integrated Management
Economic Instruments for Freshwater Management in Canada
6/14/2004 - 6/15/2004
This invitational symposium brought together international and Canadian experts to examine the benefits and drawbacks of increasing the use of economic instruments to manage and conserve freshwater resources in Canada. Topics covered include: review of best practices in Canada and other countries; using market forces to allocate water resources; disincentives to the use of market-based instruments; and, ensuring the complementarity of market and other policy instruments to better conserve freshwater resources.
The symposium was organized by the Policy Research Initiative, in partnership with the Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Environment Canada, and the Canadian Water Network.
For more information....
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Social Capital as a Public Policy Tool
Expert Workshop on Measuring Social Capital for Public Policy
6/8/2004
Sheraton Hotel, Ottawa
This workshop brought together experts to examine different empirical strategies and measurement tools used in social capital research. Emphasis was placed on the measurability of social networks that provide access to resources and social support, these being understood as the core constituent elements of social capital. The workshop drew on the knowledge of Canadian researchers as well as measurement specialists from abroad to identify essential elements of a “toolbox” for analyzing social capital for purposes of developing and assessing government programs and policies.
Synthesis Report
Agenda and Presentations
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Canadian Economics Association, Annual Meeting
6/4/2004 - 6/5/2004
Ryerson University, Toronto
The PRI arranged a series of five sessions at the Annual Meeting of the Canadian Economics Association (CEA). The PRI-sessions included 15 presentations that highlight ongoing PRI and partner research - all with North American integration as a theme. Topics included: the regional dimension of North American integration; rules of origin and economic impacts of a customs union; regulatory issues, metropolitan trends in a North American context; and the social, institutional and identity implications of growing economic integration.
For further information about the conference visit the CEA 2004 Annual Meeting site.
Download a listing of the titles of the PRI presentations at the CEA Annual Meeting.
For additional information about the PRI presentations at the CEA Annual Meeting, contact André Downs by telephone at 613-995-3655 or by email at a.downs@prs-srp.gc.ca.
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North American Linkages
Moving Toward a North American Customs Union
3/26/2004
What are some of the policy issues surrounding a potential Canada-United States customs union? Based on preliminary empirical results on the potential economic impacts, this roundtable examined several issues, including rules of origin, the impact on government revenues and operations, and a common external tariff.
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North American Linkages
Expanding Regulatory Cooperation with the United States
2/13/2004
This Roundtable examined the potential cost savings and efficiency gains that could result from deepening regulatory cooperation with the United States. Also considered was the potential impacts on investment, trade and economic growth, and the effectiveness and appropriateness of cooperation models. The discussion was based on analyses of existing international models and experiences with regulatory cooperation, as well as an examination of some key differences in existing regulatory systems between Canada and the United States.
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Population Aging and Life-Course Flexibility
Life-Course Based Policy Roundtable: The Solution for an Aging Society?
1/30/2004
An interdepartmental team reviewed the social and economic consequences of aging and how they are related to the new life-course approaches that are playing a large part in many areas of policy discourse throughout the OECD world. The Roundtable explored the potential consequences of life-course based policies in the Canadian context. Can they really lead to win-win solutions?
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New Approaches for Addressing Poverty and Exclusion
Exploring the Promise of Asset-Based Social Policies: Reviewing Evidence from Research and Practice
12/8/2003 - 12/9/2003
This conference was part of an interdepartmental research project entitled New Approaches for Adressing Poverty and Exclusion. It provided a unique opportunity for policymakers and experts to examine what we have learned so far from Canadian and international research, policy and practice on the strengths and limitations of asset-based approaches (saving programs for individual development, learning, housing, etc.). The goal was to stimulate debate and reflection on the potential role of these approaches in our poverty prevention and reduction policies.
The conference was organized by the Government of Canada's Policy Research Initiative, in partnership with Human Resources Development Canada, the National Secretariat on Homelessness and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
For more information....
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New Approaches for Addressing Poverty and Exclusion
How Does Poverty Research Translate into Policy?
11/14/2003
The interdepartmental team, working on the PRI project New Approaches to Poverty and Exclusion has developed fresh insights on the subject using new longitudinal data sources. The Roundtable explored the implications of these findings for practical policy making. The emphasis was on possible medium-term implications for federal policy.
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Other Research Activities
Genomics and Public Policy: Symposium
6/1/2002
A symposium on "Genomics and Public Policy" was held in Toronto in June 2002. The event was organized by the PRI, in partnership with the Canadian Biotechnology Advisory Committee, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Genome Canada, Health Canada, and Industry Canada. A publication titled "Genomics, Health, and Society: Emerging Issues for Public Policy" was released in December 2003. The publication themes include the policy context, genetic medicine and privacy, intellectual property, implications for the developing world, and informing government.
The symposium, Genomics, Health and Society: Emerging Issues for Public Policy, held in Ottawa on March 24 and 25, 2004 was an effort to bring together experts and policy makers to better understand the implications of rapid advances in this human science for individuals, societies, and economies. This symposium report captures the essence of the presentations and the discussions.
Untitled Document
Symposium Report
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Other Research Activities
Urban Aboriginals Peoples: Perspectives in Research
1/6/2002
The Aboriginal Policy Research Conference, organized by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) in partnership with a number of federal departments and agencies, including the PRI, was held November 2002 in Ottawa. Many of the presentations given at the Conference were based on papers, commissioned by the PRI, on urban Aboriginal issues. These papers form the core of a publication titled "Not Strangers in These Parts: Urban Aboriginal People". The PRI, in partnership with Privy Council Office's Urban Aboriginal Strategy, INAC's Strategic Research and Analysis Directorate, and the University of Western Ontario, assembled the publication. Edited by Professors David Newhouse (Trent University) and Evelyn Peters (University of Saskatchewan), this compilation covers a wide range of topics including urban Aboriginal institutions, Aboriginal languages, and economic development. Launch of this collection was fall 2003.
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Other Research Activities
Instrument Choice
1/1/2002
The effectiveness and legitimacy of instrument choices - the tools of governance - have been of significant interest in the public sector for several years. In 2002, the PRI initiated a research project with a view to examining the topic, and some of the key obstacles its development to date, as well proposals for a research path forward. Information about the project and the ideas that gave rise to it can be found in the foundation paper, which also provided the basis for a conference held in 2002 at McGill University entitled Instrument Choice in Global Democracies. Later that year, PRI held a one-day policy dialogue on the use of alternative social policy instruments as tools to achieve community-based reconciliation and avoid litigation.
The ideas generated at the conference – notably the shift from instrument choice as a tool for effectiveness to a tool for good governance – have been picked up in the public service through an innovative research proposal by Health Canada entitled Governance Choices and Health Care Quality: A Focus on Patient Safety. The proposal has generated several funded research studies that are currently underway.
The work done to date by the project has generated an edited collection entitled Designing Government: From Instruments to Governance, which was published by McGill-Queen's University Press in February 2005. The book includes both Canadian and comparative analyses of the intellectual history of instrument choice, its practical application and development in Canada and the relationship of instrument choice to policy design, implementation and risk management from economic, legal and political science perspectives.
Untitled Document
Foundation Paper
Governance Choices and Health Care Quality: A Focus on Patient Safety
Designing Government: From Instruments to Governance
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