Public Policy Course
Session 1:
What is Public Policy ?
January 15, 2010
Objectives
1. To clarify some basic vocabulary: public policy, policy
development.
2. To better understand the idea of policy as the language
of governments – it is “what they do.”
3. To explore common errors – the difference between
good and bad policy.
4. To investigate whose job it is to develop public policy
options.
2
What 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”?
3
Big “P” Policy
• Big ‘P’ policy is the articulation of a plan/course of
action intended to influence and determine:
– Decisions
– Actions
– Other matters
(Adapted from Answers.com)
4
Where is Policy Announced?
• Throne Speech
• Study
• Budget
• Economic statements
• “Announceables”
5
How is Policy Implemented?
• Acts (Law)
• Regulations
• Directives
• Guidelines
6
7
Key Messages
1. There is a difference between politics and
policymaking.
2. There are different lenses through which to see an
issue.
3. Compelling stories based on shared values can frame
evidence.
4. Constituencies matter: anti-poverty, arts,
environment, housing……
8
Policy is the Language of Governments –
‘it’s what they do’
• We 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 policy…
– If they followed the last persuasive argument they heard?
• Is policy development and analysis therefore a
stabilizer?
9
Is 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 doesn’t 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.
10
The Public Policy Context
• Timeframe of government’s 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, it’s not my problem.”
11
Some 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.
12
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 course
• Doing policy means that you will understand
your opinion better
• Heavens! – It may change your opinion
The best ever policy 'songs
•
•
•
•
Wannabe……
No Money Down,
Against the Wind &
the Boxer)
What I want...what I (really) really
want
• “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
really
really really wanna zigazig ha.”
-Wannabe - Spice Girls, Matt Rowe, Richard
Stanner.
17
The Other Three Best-Ever Policy
Songs!
• A song for advocates trying to change
government policies
• Paul Simon: ‘The Boxer (late 1960”s)
“I am just a poor boy but my story’s seldom told
I 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.”
18
The Other Three Best-Ever Policy
Songs!
• A song for policy developers:
• Bob Seger: Against the Wind (1970s)
– “Well those drifters days are past me now
I’ve got so much more to think about
Deadlines and commitments
What to leave in, what to leave out.....
– Against the Wind.....”
19
The Other Three Best-Ever Policy
Songs!
• 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 minute’s 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
20