Three Bio-Realms: Biotechnology and the Governance of Food, Health, and Life in Canada(Studies in Comparative Political Economy and Public Policy)

Biotechnology has become one of the most important issues in public policy and governance, altering the boundaries between the public and the private, the economic and the social, and further complicating the divide between what is scientifically possible and ethically preferred. Given the importance of biotechnology in shaping relations between the state, science, the economy, and the citizenry, a book that explores the Canadian biotechnology regime and its place in our democracy is timelier than ever. Three Bio-Realms provides the first integrated examination of the thirty-year story of the democratic governance of biotechnology in Canada. G. Bruce Doern and Michael J. Prince, two recognized specialists in governance innovation and social policy, look at particular 'network-based' factors that seek to promote and to regulate biotechnology inside the state as well as at broader levels. Unmatched by any other book in its historical scope and range, Three Bio-Realms is sure to be read for years to come.

Table of Contents:
Preface Abbreviations List of Tables INTRODUCTION: THREE REALMS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY Purposes and Contribution The Three Bio-Realms and Related Products and Processes Main Arguments Foundational Concepts and Analytical Framework Structure of the Book PART I: ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORK AND HISTORICAL POLICY CONTEXT CHAPTER 1- THE STATE, NETWORKED DEMOCRACY AND SCIENCE-BASED GOVERNANCE Introduction Conceptual Foundations Governance and Regulation Networked Democracy and Interests The Nature of Biotechnology and Science-based Governance The Analytical Framework: Three Core Elements The State as Biotech Supporter and Biotech Regulator Networked Biotech Governance Interests and Democracy Science-based and Precautionary Governance Conclusions CHAPTER 2- NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY POLICY IN LIBERAL AND CONSERVATIVE GOVERNMENT ERAS Introduction Biotech Policy in the Trudeau and Mulroney Eras: Early Support and Major Trade and Patent Policy Impacts Biotech Policy in the Chretien Liberal Era: Towards Better Balance amidst Extended Trade and Precautionary Norms Biotech Policy in the Chretien, Martin and Harper Eras Since 2000: Towards a Genome-Centred Bio-Economy? The Core Politics Underlying International Biotech Policy Conclusions PART II: EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF THE CHANGING BIOTECH-GOVERNANCE REGIME CHAPTER 3: SCIENCE AND SUPPORTIVE GOVERNANCE Introduction Federal and Related Biotech Research Agencies: Networked Governance, Support and Research Conduct National Research Council (NRC) The Granting Councils’ Networks of Centres of Excellence Canada Foundation for Innovation The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Genome Canada Biotech Policy and Advisory Bodies and Arenas of Partial Support, Debate, Criticism and Engagement Industry Canada and Its Innovation and Related Intellectual Policy Agenda Engaging Ministers in The Interdepartmental Bio-Policy and Bio-Governance Structure CBAC, External Advice and Governance Through Citizen Engagement Periodic Parliamentary and Opposition Party Involvement, Criticism and Inquiries. Biotech Policy and the Search for Technology Assessment Arenas Conclusions CHAPTER 4 - THE BIO-FOOD REALM: BUSINESS DOMINATED PLURALISTC POWER Introduction Bio-Food Regulation Making: Initial Design and Congealment under Institutionalized Pluralistic Power Pre-Market Bio-Food Product Assessment and Approvals under Novel Food Concepts and Regulations Product Regulation on Research on Plants with Novel Traits (PNT) and Potential Unconfined Environmental Release Bio-Food Post Market Regulatory Monitoring Conclusions CHAPTER 5- THE BIO-HEALTH REALM: NETWORKED POWER AND GOVERANCE Introduction Changing Bio-Health Regulation and Related Policy Development Pre-Market Assessment and Approvals of Biologics and Genetic Therapies Post Market Regulatory Monitoring and Assessment for Funding under Medicare and Health Care Plans Conclusions CHAPTER 6- THE BIO-LIFE REALM: PLAYING CATCH-UP WITH SELF-DISCIPLINED POWER RELATIONS Introduction Bio-life Civic Regulation, Bio-Power and Bio-Politics Bio-life Regulation and Rule-Making Regulating Bio-life Products and Activities: The Case of Assisted Human Reproduction Inspection, Enforcement and Post- Monitoring Bio-life Activities Outstanding Issues, Genetic Testing, AHRA Inertia and the Politics of Implementation Conclusions CHAPTER 7- POWER, CHANGING BIOTECH GOVERNANCE AND EXTENDING DEMOCRACY Introduction Key Arguments and Related Explanations of Biotechnology Governance Regime Change Biotechnology Governance Challenges and Extending Democracy REFERENCES

About the Author :
G. Bruce Doern is a professor emeritus in the School of Public Policy and Administration, Carleton University. He is the author and co-author of numerous books on Canadian politics and policy, including Faith and Fear: The Free Trade Story, with Brian Tomlin, and Canadian Public Policy: Ideas, Structure, Process, with Richard Phidd. Michael J. Prince is the Lansdowne professor of Social Policy in the Faculty of Human and Social Development at the University of Victoria.