Mid-term exam
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Full Title of Paper: Mid-term Exam
Most Farjana Aktar
ID Number: 991709817
Course name: Public Policy: Theory, Action and Change (CSRV41313)
Professor: Nicola Harris
Date: 25-10-2023
1.
The development of the Greenbelt in Ontario is a contentious policy change. If one were to analyze this policy using GBA+, Indigeneity-grounded, and environmental
impact assessment lenses, what do you think would need to be considered? Identify one consideration for each lens.
Answer:
The development of the Greenbelt in Ontario is a contentious policy change. If one were to analyze this policy using GBA+, Indigeneity-grounded, and environmental impact assessment lenses, the following considerations would need to be considered:
GBA+ Lens:
Greenbelt development will emphasize equity rather than equality and how it can influence access to affordable housing, employment opportunities, and green space for people of all races, regardless of gender, ethnicity, income, or sexual orientation. For example, greenbelts made it harder for low-income people to find affordable housing because it limited the amount of
land available. On the other hand, Greenbelts create new job opportunities in the green economy in sustainable agriculture and tourism. Consideration must be given to how greenbelt development may or has affected people of different ethnic groups to ensure it is fair and equitable.
Indigeneity-grounded Lens:
Greenbelt development has had a variety of impacts on indigenous
peoples. For example, it has a negative effect on their ancient and traditional hunting and fishing but a positive effect on the green economy, i.e., agricultural systems and land development. It is important to consider the impacts of the Greenbelt development on Indigenous peoples' rights, lands, and traditions in order to ensure that it is respectful and inclusive.
Environmental Impact Assessment Lens: Although green belts significantly reduce water runoff from agricultural land and reduce air pollution, they also negatively impact the environment, including wildlife habitat loss and increased wildfire risk.
By considering these factors, we can ensure that the Greenbelt development is fair, equitable, and
sustainable.
2.
The City of Toronto has a significant problem with rising homelessness.
Give a concrete example of what it could look like if...
Answer: The City of Toronto can address rising homelessness indirectly and directly. Indirect action can include changing zoning and land use policies, partnering with private and non-profit sectors, and funding supportive and homelessness prevention programs.
The City chooses to act indirectly-
1. The city of Toronto can change zoning and land use policies to make it easier to build housing in areas close to public transportation, medical centers, schools and other amenities.
2. The City of Toronto may partner with private developers and non-profit organizations to build and operate mixed-income housing developments.
3. The city of Toronto can arrange special funding or simple grants for people with disabilities who can use them for their personal problems and overall well-being.
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4. The City of Toronto can adopt a fund or program for the youth homeless community as if a large part of the homeless in Toronto is the youth community.
The city chooses to act directly- 1. The City of Toronto can build and sell or rent affordable housing units in small town areas away from the city. As a result, the density of the city-centred population will go away, and the remote localities will expand.
2. The City of Toronto can provide rental subsidies for low-income people. By doing this, working people can live in the city where they work.
3. The city of Toronto can provide shelters in areas where the number of homeless is high. Not only shelters but also employment arrangements for working people so
that they can return to a sustainable life.
4. The City of Toronto can expand outreach and support services so that homeless people can receive them and return to healthy lives.
3.
Provide two specific examples
of how current Provincial policy reflects Conservative ideology and state why they are good examples.
Answer:
1. Fiscal Responsibility and Austerity Measures:
Conservative ideology, deeply rooted in principles of fiscal responsibility, advocates for limited government intervention in the economy. A salient example of this ideology can be observed in the policies of the Ontario provincial government led by Premier Doug Ford. The government's approach included several policy measures that resonated with Conservative ideology. These cuts encompassed reductions in funding for education and healthcare, significantly reshaping the public sector landscape (CBC, 2019). Such actions are congruent with Conservative ideology, which emphasizes the importance
of reducing government intervention and curbing public expenditure to foster economic growth.
Moreover, under Premier Ford, the Ontario government embarked on a journey to reduce the budget deficit by streamlining government operations and promoting efficiency. The intent was to ensure that taxpayer burdens were lightened while preserving the core principles of fiscal conservatism (Globe & Mail, 2019). In essence, this specific policy reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility in alignment with Conservative ideology.
2. Free-market Principles and Deregulation:
Conservative ideology is fundamentally tethered to free-market principles and the reduction of government regulations, creating an environment conducive for businesses to thrive with minimal government interference. Alberta, led by the United Conservative Party under Premier Jason Kenney, stands as an exemplar of these Conservative principles.
One distinct example of this alignment with Conservative ideology in Alberta is the deregulation of the oil and gas sector. The Alberta government under Kenney eased environmental regulations
and reduced royalties for the oil and gas industry, which forms the backbone of the province's economy. This policy exemplifies the Conservative emphasis on business-friendly policies and
the minimization of regulatory hurdles (CBC, 2019). The belief here is that such deregulation will stimulate economic growth and employment opportunities.
Additionally, the Alberta government introduced corporate tax cuts as a means of attracting investment and boosting economic prosperity. The Conservative logic underpinning this policy is
to create a competitive business environment, which it asserts will ultimately result in economic growth and job creation (Financial Post, 2019). These corporate tax cuts are a concrete example of Conservative principles being translated into provincial policy in Alberta.
4.
Provide two specific examples
of how current Federal policy reflects Liberal ideology and state why they are good examples.
Answer: Here are two specific examples of federal policies that reflect liberal principles, along with explanations of why they are considered good examples:
1. The Federal Party has established its principles of liberalism, economic stability, poverty alleviation and overall social welfare. Their social safety net programs, such as SNAP and TANF,
provide a variety of benefits, such as food and financial assistance, to low-income individuals and families. Also, this political organization is working towards mitigating financial inequality, developing national security policies and strengthening the welfare of the vulnerable population. 2. The most popular and notable federal policy is the ACA (Affordable Care Act), which provides affordable health care to the public. It has created a health insurance market, improved
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and expanded the quality of medical care, addressed health care disparities, and ensured protections for people with disabilities.
Both of these policies are exemplary manifestations of liberal ideology within federal policy. They strongly emphasize social and economic justice, aiming to reduce inequalities and offer support to those in need. These policies align with the liberal perspective that government should
actively address societal issues and ensure that the most vulnerable individuals receive essential assistance and protection.
5.
According to Erica Chenoweth, how can we evaluate the outcomes of a social movement? What are ways to measure process goals?
Answer: Erica Chenoweth is a scholar known for her work on the dynamics and outcomes of social movements. To evaluate the outcomes of a social movement, she and her collaborator Maria J. Stephan
have proposed a framework that emphasizes the following key dimensions:
Political Outcomes:
Assess the movement's impact on political changes, such as policy reforms,
changes in leadership, or shifts in government behaviour. Consider whether the movement has succeeded in achieving its political objectives.
Societal Outcomes:
Examine how the movement has influenced societal norms, attitudes, and beliefs. Has it changed public opinion or promoted cultural shifts in the desired direction?
Civil Resistance Dynamics:
Evaluate the effectiveness of the movement's methods, tactics, and strategies. This includes assessing the nonviolent resistance techniques used, their coordination, and their impact on the movement's objectives.
Repertoire of Contention:
Analyze the movement's various methods and tactics, as well as any innovations in protest strategies.
Duration and Scale:
Consider the duration and scale of the movement, as well as its ability to sustain momentum over time. Prolonged and widespread movements may have a more substantial impact.
Global and Regional Context:
Examine how global and regional factors may have influenced the movement's success or failure. Geopolitical context can play a significant role in shaping movement outcomes.
Violence and Repression:
Assess the role of violence and repression in the movement, including
the impact of state violence and the movement's responses to it.
To measure process goals, which are intermediate steps or benchmarks in a social movement's campaign, consider the following approaches:
Surveys and Interviews:
Conduct surveys and interviews with movement participants to gather data on the progress of process goals. For example, you might ask about the number of participants engaged, the frequency of protests, or the level of community outreach.
Documentary Analysis:
Examine movement documents, reports, and media coverage to track the achievement of process goals, such as the completion of specific campaigns or the attainment
of certain objectives.
Participant Observation:
Engage in participant observation by embedding within the movement to directly observe the fulfillment of process goals, tactics used, and the response of participants.
1.
Analyze social media engagement, website traffic, and online interactions to gauge the success of process goals related to digital and communication strategies.
2.
Keep records of events, actions, or activities organized by the movement to track their frequency, scale, and success in achieving specific process goals.
3.
Establish feedback mechanisms within the movement to collect input from participants and supporters regarding the progress of process goals.
4.
By examining these dimensions and using a combination of research methods, researchers and activists can assess the outcomes of a social movement and measure progress toward process goals in a comprehensive and evidence-based manner.
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Reference:
- CBC. (2019). Ontario's budget: Winners and losers.
- Globe and Mail. (2019). Ontario government budget cuts: What we know so far.
- Financial Post. (2019). Alberta Premier Jason Kenney's corporate tax cut to 8% from 12% aims
to fuel new investment. - Bryant, T., Aquanno, S., & Raphael, D. (2020). Unequal Impact of COVID-19: Emergency Neoliberalism and Welfare Policy in Canada: Unequal Impact of COVID-19. Critical Studies: An
International and Interdisciplinary Journal, 15(1), 22-39.
- Bucchianeri, P., Carney, R., Enos, R., Lakeman, A., & Malina, G. (2021). What explains local policy cleavages? Examining the policy preferences of public officials at the municipal level. Social Science Quarterly, 102(6), 2752-2760.
- Czyżewski, B., Polcyn, J., & Brelik, A. (2022). Political orientations, economic policies, and environmental quality: Multi-valued treatment effects analysis with spatial spillovers in country districts of Poland. Environmental Science & Policy, 128, 1-13.)
Chenoweth, E., & Belgioioso, M. (2019). The physics of dissent and the effects of movement momentum. Nature human behaviour, 3(10), 1088-1095.
Chenoweth, E. (2019). Reform, resistance, and revolution. Journal of Human Rights, 18(1), 138-
145.
https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program
https://www.cbpp.org/research/food-assistance/the-supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-
snap
https://www.hhs.gov/answers/programs-for-families-and-children/what-is-tanf/index.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/consumer-healthcare-guide/pros-and-cons-obamacare#pros