PAP 2320 - Midterm 2 (topic 4-7)

TOPIC 4

SITUATING PUBLIC MANAGAMENT

What is the state's role in every day life?

The state shapes and regulates daily life through laws, monitoring, social programs, and public services. Bureaucracies link state power to citizens' lives by interpreting and applying regulations.

What institutions does the state use to exercise its power?

The state uses a complex landscape of overlapping and sometimes conflicting institutions, including bureaucracies, the Cabinet, and the Prime Minister.

What are state-society relations?

These describe the ongoing interaction between citizens and government institutions.

What is the political policy nexus?

It refers to the way political decisions shape policies and administrative practices.

What are the four key features of Canada's state?

Core features include federalism, a unique ideological landscape (conservative, liberal, and social democratic), binational and bicultural realities, and the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Crown.

What does federalism mean for Canada and what documents outline it?

It is the division of power between federal and provincial governments, outlined in Sections 91, 92, 93, 132, and 95 of the Constitution Act, 1867.

What does binational/bicultural mean for Canada and what documents outline it?

It refers to the official recognition of English and French heritage and rights. This is outlined in the Constitution Act, 1867 (Section 133), the Official Languages Act (1969), and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (Sections 16-20 and 23).

What three things is the Indigenous people and Crown relationship based on in Canada?

It is embedded in treaties, rights, and reconciliation efforts.

What is Socio-economic policy and what's the big debate around it?

It refers to government decisions regarding economic management and social well-being (taxation, spending, regulation). The central debate is not if government should exist, but how it should use its power.

What is the conservative approach to socio-economic policy? What do they see the state's role as?

Conservatives argue for a limited role for government in citizens' economic and social lives, criticizing state expansion.

What does the conservative approach oppose?

It opposes extensive government planning, heavy regulation, expansion of Crown corporations, high taxation, and universal social welfare entitlements.

What do conservatives think state growth leads to?

They believe it results in inefficient bureaucracies, reduced economic efficiency, threats to private-sector innovation, rising deficits, and higher taxes.

What do conservatives see as the source of Canada's economic problems?

They view government institutions themselves as the primary source of economic issues.

What is the conservative approach solution?

The solution is to reduce the size and scope of government through privatization, deregulation, tax cuts, and reducing public services.

How is Stephen Harper an example of the conservative approach?

His government cut personal, corporate, and GST taxes, reduced business and environmental regulations, and prioritized the oil and gas sector over national social programs like daycare.

What is the liberal/social democratic approach to socio-economic policy? What do they see the state's role as?

They believe in an active state that uses increased funding and higher taxes (if necessary) to support social needs and protect vulnerable populations.

What do liberal/social democratic approaches believe about budget cuts and reduced government funding?

They argue cuts weaken essential services like health care and education and harm marginalized groups.

What does the liberal/social democratic approach think about climate change and environmental protections?

They view climate change as a major threat and support stronger enforcement of environmental laws, carbon taxes, and a transition to a low-carbon economy.

What does the liberal/social democratic approach think about unions?

They believe union rights and collective bargaining should be strengthened and protected.

What is UBI? What are the pros and cons?

Universal Basic Income provides a guaranteed minimum income to all adults to reduce poverty. Pros: poverty reduction and economic security. Cons: high cost, potential for inflation, and increased deficits.

How did conservatives and liberals/social democrats see the COVID-19 pandemic?

Conservatives generally viewed pandemic interventions as temporary emergency measures. Liberals and social democrats saw the pandemic as proof of the essential role of the state in preventing economic disaster.

How does Canada balance these two contrasting views?

Governments typically adopt moderate, centrist compromises that reflect a pragmatic political culture favoring moderation over polarization.

How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect Canadian governance?

It led to massive relief efforts and state interventions, some of which may become permanent, and sparked new debates about the future role of the state.

After the COVID-19 pandemic ended, what six ongoing policy challenges did the Canadian government decide to focus on?

1. French-English relations and Quebec.

2. Regionalism and regional disparities.

3. Immigration and refugee policy.

4. Canadian-American relations.

5. Environmental policy.

6. Indigenous policy.

What is the policy challange of French-englihs relations and Quebec?

The challenge is balancing the interests of the English-speaking majority with the distinct cultural and political interests of Quebec.

Why does quebec see themselves as different? What do they believe?

Quebec has a unique French heritage and culture; many identify as Québécois, viewing themselves as a "nation within a nation" that deserves special status.

What does the federal government argue about quebec?

The federal government maintains that Quebec is an integral part of Canada and that French heritage exists throughout the country, not just in Quebec.

What was the rise of separatism in quebec and how did the federal government try to keepcanada united?

Concerns over language and status fueled separatist movements since the 1960s; the federal government responded with constitutional reforms and cultural sponsorships to promote unity.

What was the conditional act of 1982 and what was the goal/outcome?

It created a domestic amending formula and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, though Quebec did not formally sign it.

What was the 1995 quebec referendum and what was the outcome?

A narrow vote where 50.6% voted "no" to sovereignty, barely defeating the 49.4% "yes" vote.

What was plan A/B after the 1995 referendum?

Plan A focused on improving Canadian life to reduce separatist support; Plan B involved legal oversight to ensure any future referendum had a clear question and majority.

How was the Quebecois nation recoginized in 2006?

The Harper government passed a symbolic motion recognizing that the "Québécois form a nation within Canada".

What does Quebec look like today in Canada?

Support for sovereignty has declined as many prioritize social and economic issues, though laws like Bill 21 and Bill 96 continue to assert Quebec's distinct linguistic and secular identity.

What is the policy challenge of regionalism and regional disparities?

Addressing the conflicting economic and social priorities across Canada's distinct regions.

What are the economic differences between regions?

Each region has specific needs, such as grain subsidies in the Prairies, pork production in Quebec, and high-tech support in Atlantic Canada.

What are the regional grievances of western and Atlantic Canada?

Western provinces often feel Ontario benefits unfairly from federal policy (e.g., the National Energy Program), while Atlantic Canada feels economically marginalized.

What are equalization payments?

These are transfers from the federal government to provinces with below-average revenues to ensure comparable public services nationwide.

What does the federal government have to balance?

The government must navigate competing regional demands and ensure "have-not" provinces are supported by "have" provinces.

How does Canadas population dispersion affect political representation? What is the negative outcome for smaller provinces?

Ontario and Quebec dominate the House of Commons due to their large populations, leaving smaller provinces with less political influence.

How does regionality affect elections and policies?

Federal parties must win Ontario and either Quebec or the West to form a government, which often dictates policy focus.

What is the policy challenge of immigration and refugees?

Creating fair and effective policies to manage newcomers while addressing discrimination and integration.

What were the early immigration policies in Canada (1800s-early 1900s)?

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the government encouraged "white" European immigration and placed restrictions on non-Europeans.

What major changes happened to Canadas immigration policies in the 1960s?

Racial and national preferences were removed, establishing a system where all immigrants are treated equally regardless of origin.

How does Canada now look at immigration today?

It is seen as central to identity and growth, with recent targets aiming to admit over 400,000 immigrants annually to offset declining birth rates.

What are the ongoing challenges for immigrants and how does the federal government support them?

Newcomers face language and cultural hurdles; the government supports them through language training, social services, and multicultural initiatives.

How does the Charter strengthen equality protections (2 important sections)?

Section 15 guarantees equality rights, and Section 27 mandates that laws preserve and enhance Canada's multicultural heritage.

What is the policy challange Canadain-american relations?

Maintaining cooperation on trade and security while protecting a distinct national identity.

What does the economic relationship look like between Canada and the US?

While the economies are closely linked, Canada seeks to maintain control over its own key industries.

What three policies have been created over history to reduce Canadas dependence on the US?

Historical efforts include the 1879 National Policy, the Foreign Investment Review Agency (FIRA), and the National Energy Program (NEP).

What social and cultural policies does Canada have to stay distrinct from the US?

Canada uses universal healthcare, gun control, and "Canadian content" regulations (via the CBC and Telefilm) to stay distinct.

What are free trade agreements and what do they do?

Deals like NAFTA and CUSMA reduce trade barriers but limit the government's ability to intervene in the national economy.

How did US-Canada relations chnage under Trumps presidency?

Relations were challenged by tariffs and the forced renegotiation of NAFTA into CUSMA.

What other trade deals has Canada signed to reduce US dependency?

Canada has signed CETA (with the EU) and the CPTPP (Pacific nations) to reduce over-reliance on the U.S.

What is the policy challange of environemntal policy?

Balancing natural resource development with climate action and international emission commitments.

How did Canada develop its security policis after 9/11?

Canada increased border security and funding for the RCMP and CSIS to keep trade flowing while reassuring the U.S.

What are Canadas early efforts towards climate change?

Efforts like the Kyoto Protocol were unsuccessful, as Canada missed its targets. It then signed the Paris agreement

What was trudeaus grand bargain?

An attempt to balance environmental goals with the development of oil and gas pipelines, like the Trans Mountain expansion.

What are the main challenges of climate policies?

These include political polarization, Indigenous consultation requirements, and the urgency of meeting Paris Agreement targets.

What is the policy challange of indigenous policy?

Improving the relationship with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples through reconciliation and addressing historical injustices.

How do Canadas modern treaty efforts contrast early treaties wirth indngenious people?

Early treaties were often manipulative; modern efforts focus on renegotiating for territory, resource rights, and financial compensation.

What must the Canadain government try to balance when dealing with indngenious people?

The government must balance constitutional requirements for Indigenous justice with what is politically acceptable to the non-Indigenous majority.

What is idle no more?

A 2012 movement promoting self-government and respect for treaty rights while demanding justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women.

What were the federal initiatives under Trudeau towards reconciliation?

These include a national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women, implementing TRC "Calls to Action," and splitting Indigenous Affairs into two separate departments.

What is self-governance?

A process where federal and Indigenous governments develop systems for Indigenous groups to manage their own legal, political, and economic rights.

TOPIC 5

THE SOCIO-POLITICAL CONTEXT OF PUBLIC MANAGEMENT

How did Canada's parliamentary system of government develop?

The system emerged from colonial dissatisfaction with unaccountable governors, leading to the rebellions of 1837-1838. The Durham Report (1839) recommended reforms to establish responsible government.

What are elements of Canada's parliamentary system of government?

Key elements include the fusion of powers (executive is part of legislature) and mutual dependence (government must maintain the confidence of the House of Commons).

Who makes up the political executive part of the government?

The political executive consists of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.

What does the political executive part of the government do?

They run the country by making policy decisions, proposing laws, managing government departments, and implementing programs.

What is formal vs real power of the executive?

Formal power is legally held by the Crown (Governor General), while real power is exercised by the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

What does Primus inter pares mean?

It means "first among equals"; traditionally suggests equality in Cabinet, but the PM dominates in reality.

What does it mean to say that the PM leads the governing party?

The PM shapes party ideology, policy direction, candidate selection, and political messaging, building loyalty in the caucus.

What does being a party leader allow the PM to do?

It allows the PM to enforce party discipline, ensuring MPs vote according to the PM's wishes, or face removal or expulsion.

What role does the PM play in selecting the cabinet?

The PM has exclusive authority to choose cabinet ministers and instruct the Governor General on appointments.

What are cabinet ministers?

Senior elected officials (MPs) responsible for specific government departments, known as portfolios.

How does the PM shape the decision-making structure?

The PM determines the number of departments, scope of portfolios, and design of the cabinet committee system.

What does the PM's appointment powers look like?

The PM appoints the Governor General, Senators, Supreme Court judges, ambassadors, and top public servants like deputy ministers.

What are the benefits of having large appointment powers as PM?

These powers allow the PM to shape the ideological direction, administrative tone, and managerial style of the federal government.

What is the Clerk of the Privy Council?

The Clerk is the top public servant in Canada, serving as secretary to the Cabinet and deputy minister to the Prime Minister.

What is the PM's role in Parliament?

The PM is the chief defender of government policy in the House of Commons and influences the legislative agenda.

How does the PM and Governor General interact?

By convention, the Governor General dissolves Parliament or calls elections only on the advice of the PM.

How does the PM act as chief spokesperson domestically and internationally?

Internationally, the PM represents Canada at global summits (G20, UN). Domestically, they communicate government policy through media and public speeches.

What guides the PM's choices when selecting a cabinet?

Selections reflect democratic responsibility, party management, regional fairness, ideological diversity, and merit.

How are cabinet ministers chosen from the elected?

They are generally selected from the governing party's caucus in the House of Commons to ensure parliamentary accountability.

What are the two cases where cabinet ministers are chosen from the unelected?

A Senator for regional representation, or a private citizen who must win a seat in a by-election.

How do PMs appoint cabinet ministers based on experience?

Prioritize MPs with previous cabinet experience or institutional knowledge.

How do PMs appoint cabinet ministers based on rivalry?

Former leadership rivals may be appointed to maintain party unity under cabinet solidarity.

How do PMs appoint cabinet ministers based on ideology?

PMs aim to reflect the internal ideological range of their party (left, centre, right wings) to maintain unity.

How do PMs appoint cabinet ministers based on regional representation?

PMs include ministers from every province; larger provinces get more seats, smaller ones at least one or two.

What are the political consequences of regional representation?

Lone MPs from small provinces may get cabinet seats, while more qualified MPs from large provinces are left out, causing potential resentment.

How do PMs appoint cabinet ministers based on demographics?

Consider language balance (1/3 francophone), gender equality, and ethnic/minority representation.

How do PMs appoint cabinet ministers based on merit?

Look for intelligence, leadership ability, and political skill alongside representation concerns.

What is cabinet discipline and the PM's authority to remove cabinet ministers?

Cabinet discipline requires ministers to support decisions publicly or resign; the PM can remove any minister.

How has the size of the cabinet developed over time?

Grown from 13 members in 1867 to around 30-40 today due to state expansion and political pressures.

Who are cabinet ministers accountable to?

They are accountable to the government, Parliament, and the Canadian public.

What are cabinet ministers responsible for?

Running their departments and the actions of associated regulatory agencies or Crown corporations.

What are the two types of ministerial responsibilities?

1. Individual Responsibility: accountable for their own department. 2. Collective Responsibility: share responsibility for all government decisions.

How are decisions made in the cabinet?

Typically by consensus after open discussion; formal votes are rare, PM summarizes outcomes.

How has the leadership style of the PM in cabinet differed between Pierre Trudeau, Harper, and Justin Trudeau?

Pierre Trudeau: rational, seminar-like discussions. Stephen Harper: centralized "command mode". Justin Trudeau: collegial style, but ultimate decision-maker remains the PM.