Developing Public Policy: A Practical Guide

This manual for developing public policy in Canada explores the factors and dimensions involved in recognizing and resolving public problems. Siu puts forward six principles for developing good public policy and identifies the various approaches used to determine issues, conduct research, formulate policy options and recommendations, and derive intelligent decisions. Throughout the book, he provides a detailed outline of how an abstract policy idea is transformed into a public policy. With its presentation of vital strategies, tactics, guidelines, and checklists for public policy developers working in the Canadian federal or provincial government, Developing Public Policy will equip readers with the knowledge, tools, and skills needed to successfully work in the field of public policy development. This book is divided into two major sections: the first part offers an overview of the framework for developing public policies, while the second provides hands-on exercises detailing how to prepare and format policy documents. A clear and informed handbook grounded in the concrete experience of a former civil servant, Developing Public Policy is a go-to guide for both students and newcomers to the field who are interested in advocating for change within a government bureaucracy. Features:* includes thirty-nine tables and figures, critical thinking questions, concise lists, a comprehensive index, and an extensive glossary* outlines six principles for effective public policy* contains instructions on how to create concrete policy development tools, including cabinet submissions, briefing notes, public consultation papers, and management board submissions

Table of Contents:
* Part I: A Framework for Public Policy Development* Chapter 1 Introduction* Chapter 2 Public Policy Developers* Chapter 3 Public Policy and the Government* Chapter 4 Public Policy Products* Chapter 5 Principles of Good Public Policy* Chapter 6 Identifying Public Policy Issues* Chapter 7 Conducting Research and Analyzing Information* Chapter 8 Formulating Policy Options and Recommendations* Chapter 9 Determining Public Policies for Implementation* Chapter 10 Conclusion* Part II: Policy Product Exercises* Exercise 1 Correspondence: Energy* Exercise 2 Briefing Note: Employment and Youth* Exercise 3 House Book Note: Environment* Exercise 4 Decision Note: Education and Aboriginal Affairs* Exercise 5 Research Plan: Training and Persons with Disabilities* Exercise 6 Research Paper: Tourism* Exercise 7 Discussion Paper: Health Care* Exercise 8 Public Consultation Plan: Internet Gaming* Exercise 9 Public Consultation Paper: Immigration* Exercise 10 Stakeholder Consultation Paper: International Trade* Exercise 11 Cabinet Submission: Equity and Women* Exercise 12 Cabinet Presentation: Telecommunication* Exercise 13 Management Board Submission: Education and Men* Exercise 14 Role-Playing the Decision-Making Process: Public Housing* Glossary* Bibliography* Index

About the Author :
Dr. Bobby Siu teaches in the Master of Public Policy, Administration, and Law program at York University. He has 16 years of public policy development, program implementation, and public administration experience in the government sector.

Review :
Taking students from the inception of a policy idea to its implementation, with hands-on exercises and case study material, this book promises to be a valuable professional development experience and contribution to the field. With a focus on the Canadian experience, the research reflects the current state of public policy planning with an exciting and needed synthesis." - Lorne Foster, Professor, Department of Equity Studies and Graduate Program Director of the School of Public Policy and Administration, York University