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An “Opportunity” for Policy Recycling? A Critical Analysis of the Canadian Poverty Reduction Strategy
Author(s) -
SmithCarrier Tracy,
Lawlor Andrea,
Benbow Sarah
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
poverty and public policy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.206
H-Index - 4
ISSN - 1944-2858
DOI - 10.1002/pop4.265
Subject(s) - poverty , poverty reduction , government (linguistics) , public economics , public policy , reduction strategy , economics , politics , public administration , political science , economic growth , linguistics , philosophy , computer science , law , programming language
In this article, we critically explore the Canadian Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) with attention to whether, and how, elements of the strategy reflect indicators of policy recycling. Policy recycling here refers to instances where policymakers use previously designed and/or funded programs for a broader policy program or programmatic strategy. We draw from the analytic framework for policy recycling we first introduced in examining the PRS in Ontario, Canada. Our analysis suggests that the Canadian PRS reflects many of the indicators identified with policy recycling. As a result, we question whether the federal PRS is as much an exercise in political marketing or branding as it is a meaningful attempt at ameliorating persistent conditions of poverty for a number of Canadians. The PRS may in fact be an “opportunity” to convey to the public that the government is “tackling” a problem that, in reality, it may be only fine‐tuning.