The Policy Brief is a digital publication, written by JSGS scholars and leading policy experts, to provide context and perspective on important public issues and to further discussion and debate within the public sector. It provides policy makers and those interested in policy formation with timely and expert analysis, observations and potential policy approaches to relevant issues concerning the public.
If you have a subject idea that is current, topical and relevant to the public policy debate, and are interested in authoring a brief, contact the Policy Brief editor, Dale Eisler.
In these days of growing emphasis in both Canada and the United States on reducing regulatory timelines to spur development of major projects, a bit of reflection helps put the issue into context. Understanding where we are requires looking back on our history that brought us to today.
A fundamental issue in efforts to develop effective climate policy is "The Tragedy of the Horizon". The challenge is to identify the costs of climate change being experienced today when often they're assumed to be in the distant future. The scourge of B.C. Forest fires provides a means to do exactly that.
As has been widely documented, Canada’s public safety personnel face escalating levels of psychological stress injuries. They experience chronic exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events, high operational demands, and stigma surrounding mental health.
Established in the 1960s to provide old age security through the Canada Pension Plan and other income support programs, Canada's "Senior Promise" is considered a pillar of Canada's social safety net. But its pay-as-you go system of finance, not unlike a Ponzi Scheme, presents Canada with deeply rooted fiscal and demographic challenges.
A core function of the public service is delivering services to Canadians. How governments perform in meeting service expectations is a critical factor in the public’s satisfaction and trust of government. A recent study by Ipsos Public Affairs Canada on the Future of Canada’s Federal Public Service examines the issue in an uncertain period for the public service.
The Government of Canada faces significant challenges. Often the key to success depends not only on what you plan to do, but how you organize and operate to achieve your objectives. This Policy Brief by Kevin Lynch and Jim Mitchell addresses the issue of how to govern as a prelude to release of their book on the same subject by the University of Regina Press.
