About Making Policy

Why do most Canadians not know ‘W5’ about the federal government?

Textbooks focus on the obvious institutional structures and are quickly out of date. Media reports tend to incite rather than inform. Very few people have been in the room when the Prime Minister and Cabinet consider and decide on issues and initiatives – and they trade that knowledge very carefully. Most public servants are out of the loop. The resulting lack of knowledge and misconceptions about politics, policy, political vs public service responsibilities and accountabilities, erode trust and participation in our government.

Provides an expert foundation and high level briefing

The Guide provides a high-level strategic briefing on how the federal government works based on 40 years of policy and organizational development for all levels of the federal government and its stakeholders, including: a Prime Minister; approximately 25 federal departments, central agencies and regional offices; as well as business, voluntary, aboriginal and military organizations.

 We use a mix of graphic charts, illustrations and text to provide a reader-friendly format describing ;

• the nature of policy making and the policy marketplace
• functions & balance of powers of the executive, legislative, & judicial branches
• the comprehensive powers of a Prime Minister
• roles and organization of ministers, Cabinet and political staff
• organization and responsibilities of central agencies and departments
• documents & processes for policy, decisions, legislation & the federal budget
• the vital roles of media, lobbyists and stakeholder groups
• access and strategy for making contributions to policy and decision-making