This paper uses the case of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) to examine
the dynamics of the public policy cycle in Canada. A process approach is
applied to examine the principal stages of the cycle: problem identification,
agenda-setting, decision-making, and implementation. In examining these
stages, the factors that drive the policy cycle and those that impede its
progress are identified. The regulatory history of PCBs is traced to
demonstrate some of the complexities of the policy cycle. As one of the
better known hazardous wastes in Canada, PCBs have been the catalyst for
the introduction of new toxic chemical regulations throughout the 1970s
and 1980s. Since the late 1970s, regulatory policies have been developed
and implemented for PCB use and handling. After major PCB accidents
occurred during the second half of the 1980s, regulations were introduced
for their transport, storage and disposal. This case study provides seven
major conclusions: (1) before the right policy solution is found and
implemented, several stages in the cycle may need to be repeated; (2)
public perception is a key determinant of the policy problem; (3) focusing
events are a critical factor in setting the agenda; (4) decision-making often
takes an incremental approach due to incomplete information and divided
policy jurisdictions; (5) successful implementation, particularly in divided
jurisdictions, requires sympathetic officials who are supportive of the
enabling legislation; (6) constituency group support is a necessary
condition for policy implementation; and (7) to deal with public concerns
which may impede the implementation process, officials need political and
managerial skills. / Arts, Faculty of / Political Science, Department of / Graduate
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UBC/oai:circle.library.ubc.ca:2429/3015 |
| Date | 11 1900 |
| Creators | Lee, Michael L. |
| Source Sets | University of British Columbia |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text, Thesis/Dissertation |
| Format | 5116557 bytes, application/pdf |
| Rights | For non-commercial purposes only, such as research, private study and education. Additional conditions apply, see Terms of Use https://open.library.ubc.ca/terms_of_use. |
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