Policy Considerations

• Existing legislation and policies
• Gaps in service
• Other jurisdictions
• Cost
• Funding Sources
• Constitution
• Fairness

Policy Development Process

• Research:
  • Identify need
  • Identify population affected
  • What other Departments have an interest?
  • What stakeholder groups exist?
  • What are known stakeholder positions?
  • Have other jurisdictions dealt with the same issue?
• Consultation:
  • Consult established stakeholder groups
  • Establish a working group
  • Invite written submissions
  • Organize a public forum
• Developing Alternatives:
  • Could be an internal process
  • Could use consultative processes
  • Cost/benefit of alternatives
  • Exploring funding sources
  • Identify potential partners
  • Government or private solutions

Internal Process (Advice to Minister)

• Drafting Cabinet memorandum
  • Policy decisions
  • Financial decisions
  • Content
    • Recommendations
    • Background-making the case
• Cost/benefits
  • Other jurisdictions
  • Stakeholders’ interests
  • Case examples
• Senior officials (if legislation is involved)
• Presentation to Policy and Priorities and/or Board of Management
• Approval by Cabinet

Presenter’s Comment: Stakeholders often find the process very frustrating. Some will trust government to do the best they can. Others demonstrate animosity. It may take different streams of work to bring everyone along. In this work for example, at a minimum, it involves Health, Education and Justice and various streams of Cabinet, among others. Community groups should put a “personal touch” in their approach because it can be really effective, even if in a point-form commentary.