What is policy?

1. What is policy? • The basic principles by which a government is guided. • In the context of a political party - declared objectives that the party will implement if it has an opportunity to form the government.

2. How Party Policy Can Be Developed • From the executive level (top down); • From the grassroots (bottom up); • A combination these two methodologies. • Liberal Party supports the development of grassroots policy and votes on regional policy initiatives at its national convention. • Policies also come from the leader and Liberal executive

3. Grassroots Policy Development • Has the benefit of engaging the broadest base of people in a meaningful examination of the values and objectives of the Party. • However, on grassroots policy initiatives can be of limited value if they are not well thought out or do not reflect a sufficiently balanced view of the interests of all Canadians. • In a country as large and diverse as Canada, developing sound national policy can be a particular challenge.

4. Developing Policy – The Importance of Research Developing Policy – The Importance of Research Developing Policy at the Grassroots Level • Good policy should be fact-based rather than simply ideologically driven. • The objectives should be realistic and achievable • The policy should carefully define the problem and provide a viable solution. • Not necessary to include specific details for the solution in the policy statement but there should be enough detail for the reader to understand how the policy could be brought into effect.

5. Importance of Research • Research can start with newspaper articles but such articles are generally riddled with inaccuracies and bias. Better sources include textbooks, academic articles, think tank pieces, trade or industry association publications, court decisions, non-governmental organization publications. • Consideration of various perspectives is very important. It can be very helpful to talk to someone with expertise in the area. • Good research requires an examination of numerous sides of an issue and a weighing if the costs and benefits of a course of action.

6. Consultation Requirements • Consultation is a prerequisite for the draft resolutions to be presented at the Alberta policy conference in the Fall. • Consultation helps to refine issues and to challenge assumptions; taps the knowledge of a larger number of people; and ensures greater buy-in for the concept from those with an interest in the matter. • Consultation can test and strengthen ideas and ensure that the broadest base possible is heard on an issue.

7. Options for Consultation • Option 1: public forum where there is a free flow of ideas and discussion within a structured format. EDAs are encouraged to work together to expand the base for consultation. If a meeting is held, perhaps several EDAs can participate. • Option 2: fan-out email. We suggest that deadlines for response be set and that long chains or back and forth exchanges be avoided in order to keep things manageable. • Option 3: web-based survey of proposed policies. If the EDA opts to consult via a web-based survey, it should be sure that there was sufficient research behind the proposal before seeking broader input.