Public Policy and Public Participation: Engaging Citizens and Community in the Development of Public Policy. 2003.

A practical guide to public policy development with specific emphasis on the meaningful inclusion of stakeholders and citizens.
By Bruce L. Smith, BLSmith Groupwork Inc.
86 pages
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Description

Public Policy and Public Participation is a workbook designed to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities relating to the development of public policy, with specific emphasis on the meaningful inclusion of stakeholders and citizens. It will be of most interest and use to public servants who work with some aspect of policy development on a regular basis, including program managers and consultants, planners, researchers, communication specialists, policy analysts, and advisors. Emphasis is placed on the development of cross-cutting or "horizontal" policy and on the increased inclusion of stakeholders and the policy community. A basic understanding of public participation and policy development is assumed.

This practical guide is intended to help readers understand the public policy context, see the need and desire for citizen and community engagement, and then design and implement appropriate processes. It is designed to be used as both a personal resource and study guide and as a basis for designing workshops.

The workbook emphasizes a big picture/systems view; the need for public servants to work for the broader public interest; an understanding of the processes and techniques of both policy development and public participation; and the commitment and skills needed to collaborate with other departments, stakeholders, and citizens. It also places emphasis on the social and economic inclusion of all members of society, with numerous references to inclusion, equity, "first voice," and minority interests.

The three main sections of the manual are Public Policy Development; Citizens, Stakeholders and the Policy Community; and Citizen and Community Engagement. Each of these sections includes questions to stimulate memory and further thinking. The workbook's appendix includes a case study as well as more detailed information on the policy development process, the design of a public participation process, and emerging public participation techniques.

Credits

Public Policy and Public Participation was produced by Bruce L. Smith of BLSmith Groupwork for the Atlantic Regional Office of the Population and Public Health Branch, Health Canada.

Availability

This report is available for download in English (717 KB) and French (730 KB). You will require the Adobe Acrobat Reader.

For more information on obtaining copies of the document, call or write

Public Health Agency of Canada
Suite 1525, 15th Floor, Maritime Centre
1505 Barrington Street
Halifax, NS B3J 3Y6
Tel: (902) 426-2700
Fax: (902) 426-9689
E-mail: atlantic-atlantique@phac-aspc.gc.ca