Public Policy Course Session 1:

Public Policy CourseSession 1:

What is Public Policy ? January 15, 2010

Objectives To clarify some basic vocabulary: public policy, policy development. To better understand the idea of policy as the language of governments it is what they do.To explore common errors the difference between good and bad policy. To investigate whose job it is to develop public policy options. 22What is Policy? Small p policy is the articulation of a standard. Big P policy is the articulation of a course of action; eg. Obama/Change. (Sherri Torjman What is Policy? Caledon Institute, www.caledoninst.org) What is a policy to parking lot attendant?33Big P PolicyBig P policy is the articulation of a plan/course of action intended to influence and determine:DecisionsActionsOther matters(Adapted from Answers.com)

44Where is Policy Announced? Throne SpeechStudyBudgetEconomic statementsAnnounceables 55How is Policy Implemented? Acts (Law)RegulationsDirectivesGuidelines 66

77Key MessagesThere is a difference between politics and policymaking. There are different lenses through which to see an issue. Compelling stories based on shared values can frame evidence. Constituencies matter: anti-poverty, arts, environment, housing

88Policy is the Language of Governments its what they doWe have no choice but to understand some of the basics of policy analysis and development if we wish to be engaged in the policy arena. Think of the trouble we would be in if governments did not do good policyIf they followed the last persuasive argument they heard?Is policy development and analysis therefore a stabilizer?99Is Policy About Being Good?The objective of public policy making is about achieving a public good. It involves a process of making good decisions (Sherri Torjman What is Policy? Caledon Institute, www.caledoninst.org); e.g. Walkerton inquiry, Status of the Artist Act. What is best for the public?But Government doesnt always make good policy.i.e. when they try to follow public opinion counteracting bad subsidies with good subsidies rather than removing perverse subsidies; e.g. electricity.

1010Timeframe of governments business/election cycle make the tough decisions early; e.g. the Greenbelt. Difference between election/post-election periods firm to fluid policy agenda. Short attention span of politics, short shelf life of policy In two years, its not my problem.The Public Policy Context

1111Some Public Policy Considerations

Values, beliefs, ethics find the social consensus. Media attention/perspective, opinion polls understand the public mood. Difference between government and the people who work there government is heterogeneous. Long term reform can work; e.g. Ontarians with Disabilities Act, de-institutionalization.

1212

Coors 'Policy'

http://www.molsoncoors.com/templates/molson_coors/pdf/Code_of_Business_Conduct.pdf

Insurance Policies

What are insurance policies? (Wikipedia)In insurance, the insurance policy is a contract (generally a standard form contract) between the insurer and the insured, known as the policyholder, which determines the claims which the insurer is legally required to pay. In exchange for payment, known as the premium, the insurer pays for damages to the insured which are caused by covered perils under the policy language. Insurance contracts are designed to meet specific needs and thus have many features not found in many other types of contracts. Since insurance policies are standard forms, they feature boilerplate language which is similar across a wide variety of different types of insurance policies.

Why taking policy is NOT just a better articulation of your own opinion

A principle of this courseDoing policy means that you will understand your opinion better Heavens! It may change your opinion

The best ever policy 'songsWannabeNo Money Down,Against the Wind & the Boxer)

Yo I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want,So tell me what you want, what you really really want, (3X)I wanna, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna reallyreally really wanna zigazig ha.

-Wannabe - Spice Girls, Matt Rowe, Richard Stanner.What I want...what I (really) really want17

A song for advocates trying to change government policiesPaul Simon: The Boxer (late 1960s)

I am just a poor boy but my storys seldom toldI have squandered my resistance,For a pocketful of mumbles, such are promises.All lies and jest.Still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest.

The Other Three Best-Ever Policy Songs!18

A song for policy developers:Bob Seger: Against the Wind (1970s)

Well those drifters days are past me nowIve got so much more to think aboutDeadlines and commitmentsWhat to leave in, what to leave out.....Against the Wind.....

The Other Three Best-Ever Policy Songs!19

A song for what government thinks about advocates for policy change:Chuck Berry: No Money Down (1954)Just tell me what you want And then sign on that line And I'll have it brought down to you In 15 minutes time - I'm gonna get me a car And I'll be headed on down the road Then I won't have to worry About that broken - down, ragged Ford The Other Three Best-Ever Policy Songs!20