Canada has played an active role in Afghanistan, from both a military and development perspective, since the United States-led removal of the Taliban regime began in fall 2001. Over the years, Canada’s role in Afghanistan has become a significant issue ― both in Canada’s domestic affairs and vis-à-vis its international relations. Accordingly, this article provides an overview of Canadian military and development activities in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2010.
[Read more…] about Canadian Military in AfghanistanCanada’s Health Care System
In Canada, one issue that tends to prevail — arguably more than any other in Canadian public policy debate — is the issue of health care and health care delivery. At the heart of this issue is the debate over public versus private health care. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of public and private sector participation in health care.
[Read more…] about Canada’s Health Care SystemThe House of Commons in Canada
While Canada has two legislatures at the federal level, the House of Commons constitutes the centre of political power. To hold power, the Prime Minister and his/her Cabinet must maintain the support of a majority of the elected members in the House. The House also holds the government accountable through public debate, questioning, and review of government legislation and action. This feature provides an introduction to the functions, composition, and operation of the House of Commons.
[Read more…] about The House of Commons in CanadaImmigration Policy in Canada
A geographically large country with a relatively small population, Canada has traditionally viewed immigration as a key instrument of population and economic growth. Over its history, however, immigration priorities and strategies have changed significantly, from an open border approach in Canada’s early history, to policy that could be characterized as explicitly discriminatory, to an economically focused approach. This article provides an introduction to immigration policy in Canada and explores immigration in the context of Canadian federalism, with specific focus on its history, key legislation and agencies in this area, and current issues/debates.
[Read more…] about Immigration Policy in CanadaThe Long-Gun Registry in Canada
Since its introduction in 1995, Canada’s long-gun registry has been a high-profile political issue. This stems, in large part, to philosophical differences on gun control policy between and among Canada’s political parties, and issues relating to the cost of the program. This article provides an overview of the history, operation, and debates surrounding the long gun registry. It includes an overall discussion on gun control policy and approaches, a brief history of gun control in Canada, a section dedicated to the history and operation of the long-gun registry (including the movement to abolish the program), and arguments for and against the registry.
[Read more…] about The Long-Gun Registry in CanadaThe Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation is Canada’s national public broadcaster. The concept of a public broadcaster emerged during the heyday of radio in the early part of the twentieth century. Radio provided a new way to disseminate news and information, and introduced a new medium for entertainment. With radio stations springing up all over North America as private broadcasters competed for listening audiences, the Canadian government became concerned about the undue influence of American programming on Canadians. The government created a Royal Commission to investigate the matter — the first real step on the road to public broadcasting in Canada.
[Read more…] about The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation