Public Policy in Canada An Introduction, 6/e

by Lydia Miljan

As Public Policy in An Introduction moves into its sixth edition, this classic text continues to chronicle the changing landscape of public policy issues in Canada, and the political, economic, and social environments and events that drive such change.

While the text's structure has remained the same-the first part covers the basic concepts, theories, and approaches to public policy and the second introduces specific policy fields-the material covered in each part has evolved to meet user needs and reflect developments in Canadian policy. Part I
offers extended coverage of the economic roots of policy, updated statistics that shed light on the ever-shifting context for policy-making in Canada, as well as a new chapter on evaluating policy, reporting it to the public, and measuring its impact. Part II examines in detail macroeconomic
affairs, social programs, health care, the family, Aboriginal peoples, and the environment, highlighting the latest developments in each field. In each chapter, clear and accessible writing in addition to tools such as special topic boxes, an updated art program, discussion questions, glossary of
key terms, and an annotated list of relevant web resources support and engage the reader.

342 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2012

Reviews

[Chloe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Steeped with a right-wing bias that appears quite evidently - the family policy chapter introduction exemplifies this... would not use this as a primary text on can public policy. Even as a secondary source I don't think it's strong enough to merit use as a viable resource, there are more thorough texts that do a better job.

[ESH · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is truly the WORST textbook I have ever read, and I have read a lot of textbooks.

It is almost incoherent. Author starts lists and then forgets about them mid-paragraph, leaving you confused.

Content is fine, it is just so so so badly organized and written.

[Taiya Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some chapters are pretty good, providing basic introductory info to get you started, other chapters are of lesser quality. Writing was generally easy to understand. Major flaw, occasionally left out supporting empirical evidence when making statements.

[Geoff Ball · Rating 2 out of 5]

Miljan's book does not cover all aspects of the policy cycle, and is not a very effective introduction to public policy. The book does better in the second half, where policy areas such as economic, social, cultural, and environmental policy are covered.

It is okay as a supplement to provide Canadian examples, but I would not use it as a primary text.