Unit 2

Public Policy Influencers

Two types of influencers that shape public policy: contextual and proximate.

Contextual Influencers

Indirect influences on policy, focusing on the background framework associated with policy design, such as political culture and the constitution.

Proximate Influencers

Direct influences on policy that consist of specific institutions, including the legislature, executive, and courts.

Political Culture

Broad patterns of beliefs, values, and attitudes that citizens hold towards politics and the political system, varying by region and historical era.

Founding Fragments Theory

Theory by Louis Hartz positing that the political culture of Canada is shaped by the historical fragments in society.

Formative Events Theory

Martin Lipset’s theory that major historical events shape national political behavior.

Staples Approach Theory

Harold Innes’s theory focusing on Canada’s economic development based on staple resources.

Universal Canadian Political Culture

Shared values in Canada that include rule of law, acceptance of authority, and tolerance of differences.

The Constitution Act

Established the dominion of Canada in 1867; includes essential rules and regulations governing Canada's political structure.

Charter of Rights and Freedoms (CRF)

Part of the Constitution (1982) that enshrines various rights and freedoms for Canadians.

Fundamental Freedoms

Rights such as freedom of expression, religion, and assembly, recognized in the Charter.

Democratic Rights

Rights that ensure every citizen’s ability to participate in the political process, including voting.

Mobility Rights

Rights allowing Canadians to move freely between provinces and seek employment.

Legal Rights

Rights pertaining to the legal protections of individuals accused of crimes.

Equality Rights

Rights ensuring every individual is treated equally under the law without discrimination.

Language Rights

Rights protecting the use of both French and English in Canadian institutions.

Minority Language Education Rights

Rights guaranteeing education in either English or French in certain conditions outlined in the Charter.

Parliamentary System

The political system in Canada where the government is elected by the legislature and is accountable to it.

Executive Branch

The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws.

Legislature

The legislative body that makes laws, consisting of elected representatives in the House of Commons and appointed senators.

Judiciary

The system of courts that interprets and applies the law in the name of the state.

Crown Corporations

Government-owned entities that carry out commercial activities in the public interest.

Public Service Bargain

The agreement where public servants provide impartial services in exchange for job security and fair compensation.

Executive Federalism

Ongoing consultation and negotiation between federal and provincial executives regarding policies.

Evidence-Based Policy Making

Making policy decisions based on empirical evidence rather than political or ideological motivations.

Political Acumen

The ability to navigate the political landscape and understand power dynamics effectively.

Affirmative Action

Policies aiming to increase the representation of designated groups in employment and education.

Federalism

A system of governance where power is divided between a central authority and various regional authorities.

GoC

Government of Canada, responsible for various federal policy implementations.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to examine the actions of legislative and executive branches for constitutionality.

Policy Advisory System

A network of actors providing recommendations and knowledge for policy-making decisions.

Polycentrism

A governance structure featuring multiple overlapping sources of authority.

Horizontal Governance

A model emphasizing collaboration among various actors in decision-making rather than strict hierarchy.

Globalization

The increasing interconnectedness of economies and cultures across the globe influencing domestic policies.

Policy Cycle

The process of developing, implementing, and evaluating public policies, including various phases and actors.