Program Overview

(1 -2 weeks)

All policy is inherently and unavoidably political. Policy is seen as having certain incontrovertible characteristics. It is purposive. It is a decision to pursue a particular course of action and to achieve a specified goal. It is outcome focused; policy decisions consider both ends and means. Policy may involve action or in action, policy must be more than mere political rhetoric. The main goal of the course is to help you think systematically, critically, and creatively in giving policy advice to decision makers in the public sector. The specific objectives of the course are to: help you understand how a problem is identified and defined in the public realm; develop your skills in crafting policy options for addressing the problem; expose you to a variety of qualitative and quantitative tools that will help you select a particular policy option for the problem; and, guide you in persuasively communicating policy advice with multiple and diverse publics in written and verbal form.

(2-4 weeks)

Conflict is inevitable in our day to day lives, relationships, our workplace and family. However, it is also ubiquitous in decision making impacting public policy and politics! Cities are not signing international treaties, nor do they have embassies around the world. However, cities and municipalities can certainly engage in all kinds of negotiations, reach agreements, and influence public policy & politics. Cities form networks, engage in dialogue with counterparts, facilitate public diplomacy, share best practices, and encourage collaboration between private and public entities. This course will discuss the importance of diplomacy as a tool of good governance and how it can serve public policy discourse.

(2-4 weeks)

Policy in Practice delivers the essential toolkit to the public sector. Public Servants are adept at tackling complex policy challenges, from concept to delivery. This complexity means that an increasingly broad range of skills is required if you are to be effective in government. This course will add new tools to your toolkit, sharpen your existing skills, and unleash your policy leadership potential. Who is it that practices Policy? It is rare that any one person, or even any one organisation, is responsible for the identification of a particular problem, the generation of an original solution, the development of a specific proposal and the creation of the necessary support required to see a new policy implemented. These multiple layers of ‘policy making’ allow for a wide range of individuals and organisations to participate in the policy process. While the skills and knowledge required to contribute to different elements of the process may differ, an awareness of other participants is likely to be of use to all involved, if only to ensure that they develop the necessary relationships to ensure that their contribution is supported by others.

(2-4 weeks)

Governments depend on the policy advice they receive to help inform their policy decisions before putting it into action and informing the public and/or relevant actors and stakeholders. In an environment where ministers are bombarded with complex information, such as managing mental health strategies, affordable housing plans, tax cuts, environmental consultations, budgets, crisis communications, high profile project setbacks [Billion Dollar LNG project in Prince Rupert] from a range of sources with varying degrees of credibility and influence, a trusted adviser is of paramount importance!! Such an individual, who can hold the title of Policy Advisor or Analyst [and who we want to target this course towards], provides timely and comprehensive advice that simplifies complicated and technical information, and balances good information with political strategy.