Book Description

In this new scholarly compilation by David P. McGrane, established and emerging trends in Saskatchewan public policy are the foundation for setting new directions for the province in the 21st century. In what direction should Saskatchewan be headed in the 21st century? To answer this question, academics from various disciplines at the University of Regina and University of Saskatchewan have come together to produce New Directions in Saskatchewan Public Policy, the first edited book exclusively devoted to public policy in the province, with chapters discussing taxation, immigration, agriculture, urban affairs, poverty reduction, the social economy, labour, aging, Aboriginal public administration, and climate change. The authors provide an analysis and description of the current policies of the Wall government, and also look back to explore what the Romanow and Calvert governments did in these areas. The overarching theme of the book is that, despite the province's robust economic growth, significant public policy challenges remina for the Saskatchewan provincial government. The lesson is that economic growth does not magically solve entrenched societal problems and that economic prosperity will dissipate if worrisome social trends are left unchecked. While many scholarly books shy away from prescription, the authors of this book include sections in their chapters that set out new directions for policy development. As such, the book not only contains solid analysis of the present policy situation, but also offers concrete ideas for future policy makers.