Social Policy Framework

Social Policy Frameworks in Canada: Examples and Opportunities˃ prepared for the Federation of Community

Social Services Strategic Planning Session˃Marshall Watson

What is it?

» Policy frameworks are sets of principles and long-term goals

» that determine rule-making, guidelines and » give overall direction to planning and

development of an office or government.

5 Policy Frameworks

» People, Partners and Prosperity, A Strategic Social Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador

» The City of London Social Policy Framework» The Saskatchewan Disability Inclusion Policy

Framework » Weaving the Threads: A Lasting Social Fabric,

Nova Scotia’s Social Prosperity Framework » Alberta Social Policy Framework

People, Partners & Prosperity

» 1998» Broad consultation» Volume I: What the People Said - Report on the

Strategic Social Planning Dialogue » Volume II: Investing in People and Communities

- A Framework for Social Development

People, Partners & Prosperity

key focus» horizontal concepts of interdepartmental

cooperation, integration across sectors and levels of government

» bottom-up, place-based policy developed in collaboration with the volunteer social sector.

» series of interdepartmental and ministerial committees to turn the recommendations into policy

People, Partners & Prosperity

» acknowledged the connection between economic well-being and physical well-being, emotional health and educational attainment

» operated only for a few years in times of fiscal restraint

City of London

» 2006» Department of Community Services» Written for Broad Audience» clear in it’s intent

City of London

Principles » equity and inclusion » dignity and self-sufficiency » partnerships and accountability

Components» The Safety Net» Social Inclusion» Community and Neighbourhood Capacity

Building

City of London

» informed, inspired and guided various key policy strategies

Sask. Disability Inclusion

» 2007» Office of Disability Issues

» Saskatchewan people with disabilities participate fully in the economic and social life of their communities and the province.

Sask. Disability Inclusion

» no strategy, process or method was described to include community consultation, accountability measures or reasonable assurance that disability issues would be included in future government legislation

» shelved the policy framework

Weaving the Threads

» 2007» complimented Opportunities for Sustainable

Prosperity » the opportunity to live well and contribute in a

meaningful way within a province that is caring, safe and creative

» coordination across government» collaboration across sectors» shared responsibility for government, communities,

families and individuals.

Weaving the Threads

» explicitly based on “social trends,” “demographics,” and Nova Scotian “values”

» “who we are,” “what we’re are doing,” and “where we need to do more.”

» need for greater inter-departmental cooperation and coordination to solve social issues

Weaving the Threads

» large number of government programs, plans and strategies launched

» Many more aligned with principals and vision

Alberta’s SPF

» Enacted Feb 2013» 31,000 participated in Speak Share Thrive» Engagement principles

˃ Collaboration:˃ Community Ownership˃ Integrated:˃ Evidence-based˃ Practical:˃ Shared Responsibility:˃ Transparency:˃ Outcomes-focused:

Alberta’s SPF

» vision for Alberta and its people

In Alberta, everyone contributes to making our communities inclusive and welcoming. Everyone has opportunities to fulfill their potential and to benefit from our thriving social, economic, and cultural life.

Alberta’s SPF

» Social policy goals» reduce inequality;» > protect vulnerable people;» > create a person-centered system of high-

quality services; and» > enable collaboration and partnerships.

Alberta’s SPF

Lessons

» Don’t re-invent the wheel » Know your stuff » Context matters » Timing is key » Share the Vision » Values. » Working Horizontally

Lessons

» Community Involvement & Public Engagement » Make it work [policy] designers » Longevity. » Honesty is the best policy/Let’s call a spade a

spade » Put your money where your mouth is

Thanks