Search

This article seeks to place Canadian public policy programs in a comparative context and to provide an overview that identifies the status of the Canadian public policy analysis profession and policy analysis/policy studies instruction in light of domestic and global developments. The authors acknowledge that instruction plays a crucial role in the training as well as in the future approach and orientation of policy analysts and they analyze shifts in the perspective of policy analysis studies and policy analysis instruction. This preliminary comparative paper primarily discusses the characteristics and training needs of policy studies/analysis by tracking the needs of the profession; the development of the field to date; orientations arising from conceptual and historical developments in Canada, the United States, and Europe, and shaping particular public policy programs, curriculum orientations, and practices; and implications of and lessons drawn from the various contexts in comparison to Canada. Throughout the paper the terms policy analysis and policy studies are used interchangeably, because in the various traditions highlighted in this paper, programs of policy studies, rather than policy analysis, are prevalent. Policy analysis skills are promoted, albeit with various degrees of emphasis, within these programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiences of African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) Canadians are seldom explored in the Canadian context. Family physicians act as a gateway to the rest of the healthcare system and are necessary to provide proper patient care. However, Canada's history with colonialism may impact the socio-cultural context in which patients receive care. 41 participants from Waterloo Region, Ontario, were engaged in eight focus groups to discuss their experiences in the healthcare system. Data were analysed following thematic analysis. Style of care, racism and discrimination and a lack of cultural competence hindered access. oor Inadequate cultural competence was attributed to western and biomedical approaches, poor understanding of patients' context, physicians failing to address specific health concerns, and racism and discrimination. Participants highlighted that the two facilitators to care were having an ACB family physician and fostering positive relationships with physicians. Participants predominantly expressed dissatisfaction in physicians' approaches to care, which were compounded by experiences of racism and discrimination. Findings demonstrate how ACB patients are marginalized and excluded from the healthcare syste Iimplications for better access to care included utilizing community healthcare centres, increasing physicians' capacity around culturally inclusive care, and increasing access to ACB physicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]