Policy process perceptions of senior Canadian federal civil servants: a view of the state and its environment

Article Abstract:

Based on interviews with senior civil federal civil servants in Ottawa, perceptions of various actors' influence on public policy are examined. It is hypothesized that perceived influence patterns will change as one moves across the major phases of the policy process. Although it is expected that actors within the state will be of primary importance throughout the process, it is also expected that the relative importance of actors outside the state will increase as one moves from forming a policy agenda and selecting policy towards policy implementation. This should be particularly true of the perceived influence of private companies. Despite this change in perceived levels of influence of state versus non-state actors, the structure of correlation patterns for perceived influence patterns will probably not change dramatically from one policy process phase to the next. Results are also presented pertaining to the actual interaction patterns of the civil servants who were interviewed, as well as the relation between interaction and perceived influence. It is expected that there will be positive relations between these two types of variables but that direct interaction will not consistently explain the majority of variation in perceived influence variables. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Public employees, Government employees, Public policy (Canon law)

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The local state in Canada: theoretical perspectives

Article Abstract:

In order to understand the full range of institutions at the local level, a broader concept of 'local state' is needed. This broader concept defines local state as being present in, and concerned with, the local community. Thus, it includes local agencies of the central state as well as local governments. Competing theories of local governments in Canada draw attention to non-municipal agencies at the local level, but fail to consider the structure and function of the local state as a whole. A new theory is needed, one that takes seriously the pressure for local self government and the significance of geographic variations and historical change.

Local government, Municipal government, Administrative agencies, Government agencies, Administrative and political divisions, Political science research

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Regulations and the Orwellian state

Article Abstract:

Regulatory reform, or deregulation is just beginning to take hold in Canada. The need is increasing due to the forces of technological change. Deregulation in the United States has included air lines, trucking and railways, as well as telecommunication and energy industries. Innovative ideas which have improved regulatory decision-making are being used in the U.S., but not as effectively in Canada yet. Public administrators should be looking at opportunities for regulatory reform and implementing these reforms.

Influence, Deregulation, Orwell, George

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