Policy 101
Introducing Public Policy
Ever wonder why some rules exist and how they shape the world? Public policy determines many of the rules and guidelines in our society and therefore touches every aspect of our lives. Understanding what public policy is and how it’s made is therefore essential to understand the world around us, and to have an influence on it.
This series features Action Canada Fellows’ experience with public policy and their diverse perspectives. They’ll introduce the main elements of public policy, so that participants emerge with a better understanding of the policy-making process and how to engage in it.
These modules are designed especially for high school students and their teachers. The Policy 101 series breaks down the elements of public policy into digestible, engaging modules, that include videos, podcasts, and teacher guides, with real world examples to illustrate the concepts.
Who are Action Canada Fellows?
Action Canada Fellows are emerging leaders from across the country, from all different backgrounds and sectors. What they have in common is that they care about contributing to this country and doing this through public policy.
Modules
Module 1
What is public policy?
Public policy is what the government does or how it governs. It can take the form of laws, regulations, guidelines, or actions that address real
Module 2
Why does public policy matter?
Public policy matters because it determines the laws and regulations that shape how we live together.
Public policy is also important because it determines
Module 3
What is the difference between policy and politics?
Politics and public policy are interconnected, even though they both play their own special part in how the government works.
Module 4
How can YOU get involved in public policy?
Here are some ideas:
• Find out what issues matter to you and learn more about them.
• Read
Module 5
What does the government do and how does it relate to public policy?
Different levels of government have shared and distinct responsibilities, and the Canadian Constitution defines which
Module 6
How does public policy get created?
Here is an overview of the four main stages, each of which involves many people:
First, a problem is identified. These
Module 7
Who else plays a role in public policy?
In a democracy like Canada, elected officials and politicians make policy, working with public servants to do so. But many others,
Module 8
What are careers in public policy?
Now that you’ve learned all about public policy in this video series, maybe you’d like to know a little bit more about some
Case Study 1
How is energy shaped by policy?
This module takes a focused look at energy as a case study to illustrate how policy shapes this critical sector.
Module 9
What is good policy?
Policies shape our lives, but how do we know if they’re effective? In this video, you’ll discover practical approaches to evaluating policies.
Module 10
How does a new government impact policy?
This module explores how the arrival of a new government can influence public policies in various ways.
Module 11
Why is policy-making hard?
Public policymaking is hard because it must serve diverse communities with competing needs and values. In this module learn about trade-offs—balancing short-term costs with
Certificate of Completion
Upon successfully completing all eight modules and the case study in the Policy 101 series, teachers are encouraged to download a certificate of completion for each student to acknowledge their mastery of the topic.
Feedback
Did you use this in your classroom and have feedback to share?
Tell us about your experience at actioncanada@ppforum.ca
