Participating in Policy Change

The Basic Idea

Adolf Berle in his book Power,( ) walks through the policy making process in the United States and how it developed. He notes there that in practice, the actual policy is developed within the Administrative arm of the government under the oversight of the President. Little actual policy comes form Congress. The role of Congress is actually that of financial allocation in support of policy which the administration brings forward. The allocation of funds is handled by committees under a chairperson who is selected by seniority.

In Canada, the system is quite different in that the country is actually governed by a Prime Minister and the Cabinet of Departmental Ministers. They initiate most legislation, and also handle the budget. The Opposition parties serve as critics and watch dogs on the government to see that it does not go too far out of line. Although the Prime Minister must call an election within a maximum of five years, the term of office is really based on the level of confidence the overall house has in the prime minister and his or her governing cabinet. It can last days or months then suddenly loose confidence and be forced to resign. Either another government is formed of the elected representatives or else another election is called.

Both countries have State / Provincial as well as Municipal /County levels of government to handle matters of a more regional nature.

The development of policy in both countries takes place through fairly well established and ritualized processes, and both countries have processes by which input , suggestions, feedback, and recommendations from the public can be considered. These input mechanisms are many and various:

• party membership and policy development processes
• voting for representatives based on policy platforms
• hearings and royal commissions
• lobying of members of the government by interest groups
• direct contact of members by citizens and groups by letter and email etc.
• Local constituency office meetings
• Consultations of experts by representatives of the government
• The press, TV and radio programs , news and commentary
• protests and picketing

One approach to community development is to become involved in the development or improvement of policy at one of the government levels. It is often a long-term process as Policy is supposed to reflect functions of a typical nature which ordinarily change slowly over time. As Berle points out, the maintenance of a high quality dialogue between governmental institutions is critical for their survival ( ), so the structural mechanisms for this type of initiative are already in place for those who wish to take part.

Off-Line Resources

• Ferrazzi, Gabe. "Canadian Rural Policy" . Rural Community Development Introductory Modules,(WebCT class notes). Brandon University, Fall, 2001.Module # 3-b .
  Gabe's Notes on Policy development as an approach focuses on the 1977 "Think Rural" report, and the typical types of issues which emerge from that report. The following year the "Rural Solutions for Rural Concerns" was issued and this is dealt with as well, particularly regarding the need for an overarching sustainable vision, and quality research for Rural Canada.

On-line Resources