Key Documents

The PPF's approach to public engagement is based on a decade worth of thinking and discussion about issues of governance and government. Taken together, the documents available below provide the ideas and principles underlying this approach.

1.Collaborative Federalism: How Labour Mobility and Foreign Qualification Recognition are Changing Canada's Intergovernmental Landscape

By Don Lenihan
2011

Canada is facing the biggest wave of immigrant labour it has ever seen. The Canadian population is aging and, as a result, the labour force is shrinking. As it shrinks, Canada is turning to immigration to help rebuild it. A key challenge for rebuilding the labour force and successful immigrant settlement lies in the ability of new Canadians to find work in their chosen field anywhere an opportunity exists in the country. This challenge is part of a high-stakes, unfolding drama. The drama is about the rise of globalization, the changing complexion of Canadian society, and the demographic earthquake that lies ahead. It is also about something much larger: the challenge of governing a diverse federation in an increasingly complex and interdependent world. This case study explores how two intertwined issues that shape the experience of immigrants in the Canadian labour market--internal labour mobility and foreign qualifications recognition-are also combining to reshape the practice of Canadian federalism.

Please click here to read the case study.

2. Community-Building Through Sport: Final Report of the Community Perspectives Project

By Don Lenihan and James McLean
2011

In the summer of 2011, the Public Policy Forum convened a dozen roundtables across the country to explore whether or how community-building might be included in the next iteration of the Canadian sport policy. This roundtable series, which was part of the Canadian Sport Policy Renewal Process, brought together federal, provincial and municipal officials as well as sport and community leaders to determine whether a policy framework could be created that includes community-building but leaves the core business of sport unchanged. This report captures the key findings of the 12 roundtables and outlines how the new Canadian sport policy can purposely use sport to achieve healthier, more socially engaged communities.

Please click here to read the report.

3. Rethinking the Public Policy Process: A Public Engagement Framework

By Don Lenihan
2009

Working with nine provincial and territorial governments through the Public Engagement Project, the PPF developed a 35-page "Framework Paper" that consolidates the most current thinking and practice in the area from across the country. It explains what public engagement processes are, why we need them, how they work, and some of the special issues, challenges and opportunities they pose for governments.

Please click here to read the Framework Paper.

4. It's More Than Talk: Final Report of the New Brunswick Public Engagement Initiative

By Don Lenihan
2008

The PPF's approach was first developed and tested by Don Lenihan through five pilot projects in the Province of New Brunswick. This report summarizes the findings of this initiative.

Please click here to read the report.

5. Progressive Governance for Canadians: What you need to know 

By the Crossing Boundaries working group, chaired by Don Lenihan
2007

This book-length study consolidates and synthesizes a decade's worth of research and consultation through the Crossing Boundaries project. The project produced over forty publications on topics ranging from citizen-centred service delivery to e-democracy. The study systematizes the lessons learned around collaboration and collaborative governance on issues ranging from federalism to sharing accountability.

Please click here to read the book.