Unit 1
Public Policy and the Policy-making Process in Canada

Governance 403/Global Studies 403: Public Policy in a Global Era provides students with some of the conceptual, theoretical and analytical tools required to study and critically assess public policy. The core purpose of this course is to prepare students to understand the changing character of public policy—particularly social policy—in this era of globalization. Nevertheless, it is essential that students have an understanding of the policy process, as well as an awareness of the actors and institutions that are involved in policy-making. With this in mind, Unit 1 introduces public policy and an overview of the processes of policy-making at the national level in Canada.

The readings for this unit have been selected to introduce students to politics, public policy and policy-making in Canada. Students with a background in political science may find that these readings cover familiar ground. Nevertheless, the information, ideas and concepts are ‘foundational knowledge’ that is worthy of attention whether or not you have encountered it before.

The Stephen Brooks reading “Social Policy” was selected because it provides a basic, but useful, introduction to social policy in Canada. Familiarizing yourself with this reading is important: It will prepare you to maximize what you learn from the subsequent readings that explore the changing character of social policy in this global era.

Learning Objectives

When you have completed Unit 1 you should be able to achieve the following learning objectives.

1. Define public policy and discuss the various stages of the policy process.
2. Identify the key actors in the policy process.
3. Comment on the institutional context of policy-making and discuss the key components of the machinery of government.
4. Outline the process by which policy initiatives make their way from government departments, through cabinet and the legislative process in Parliament.
5. Discuss the character of the Canadian welfare state and the main pillars of Canadian social policy.