The objectives of this assignment are to:
oConsider a contemporary Canadian social policy issue and the role of community groups
in shaping the social policy agenda.
oUnderstand the processes, partnerships, challenges, and opportunities in making and
changing social policy.
oDemonstrate skill in social policy analysis, particularly as it relates to equity seeking and
underrepresented groups and the ongoing need for social policy reform.
Policy Brief
A policy brief is a short, written document that addresses a single policy issue. It must have a
hook and structure that engages the readers curiosity. It presents concise information
pertinent to a focused issue. (This may include information about the current law, current
debates about the issue, the implications of the issue and related data). It also must include a
few viable evidence-based policy alternatives, a persuasive conclusion and your
recommendations. References must be included. Your brief will include the following:
Title (on Cover page)
Addressed to intended recipient(s)
While you won’t actually be sending the policy brief, you must address it as if it was going to an
actual specific decision maker (or multiple decision -makers)
INTRODUCTION Summary/abstract
Generally written last. Outlines who you represent (make something viable up), establishes
your credibility on the issue.
Statement of the Issue/Problem/ your policy “ask”
Brief (2-3 sentence) statement describing the issue. What is the problem that this policy brief
addresses?
Backgrounder (short!)
A concise explanation of the problem and its significance.
Information Pertinent to the Issue
This may pertain to current laws needing to be changed, current debate about the issue, and/or
data about the issue
Responses and Policy options
What has been done (or proposed) about the issue so far? Have other organizations addressed
it? Are there pending legislative or regulatory proposals
Conclusion. Use your evidence to strengthen your persuasion. Repeat your main policy “ask”
List of Recommendations
Include viable, targeted, specific, evidence-based recommendations.
List recommendations about what different actors should do—e.g., depending on who the brief
is addressed to: (e.g. A specific Provincial or Federal Ministry, etc. (Of course, this will depend
on the specific issue).
References
Use endnotes throughout the brief rather than in-text citations.
Condensed Rubric
Criteria %
Address/salutations 2.5
Introduction (abstract/summary) & conclusion 2.5
Writing, Structure, APA and quality of references (evidence) 5
Backgrounder: Clarity of statement of the issue/problem, its significance
and explanation of the background context
Information Pertinent to the Issue
Thoughtful, logical, well-articulated analysis of the current Information
pertinent to the Issue including legislation, debates, and data
10
Policy options & Recommendations
Critical Analysis of policy alternatives; viable recommendations are clearly
stated and targeted to the appropriate jurisdiction or Ministry or service
body.
10
Total /30
When thinking about what has been done so far for this last assignment, try to really focus on a specific, very targeted policy issue. Limit the number of recommendations. Make sure they all point to your main “ask”. Make sure your topic is so specific that your brief can be really practical and concrete. You want to point decision makers in a direction that helps them identify concrete steps to take to implement a plan. (e.g. instead of a recommendation for ‘housing for all’ (super general) think about how you would break that down into SMART goals-specific, measurable realistic etc..etc..in other words..this is an opportunity for you to highlight a doable action to address a demonstrated social or socio-economic need.
Proposed policy brief topics must be noted in the google doc for approval by March 7th (The
