A%20Proposal%20to%20Develop%20a%20Regulatory%20Science%20Program%20under%20Carleton%20University

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A Proposal to Develop a Regulatory Science
Program under Carleton Universitys Regulatory
Governance Initiative Presentation to the
fourth Special Session of the OECD Working Party
on Regulatory Management and Reformation October
2008

• Wendy Sexsmith
• Public Servant in Residence Initiative
• Carleton University
• wendy_sexsmith_at_carleton.ca

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Where we are
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Why

• Canada needs a much more strategic approach to
  modern regulatory governance in the innovation
  age.
• G. Bruce Doern
• Red Tape, Red Flags, 2007

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What We Have Heard

• Number, scope and complexity of regulations is
  increasing
• Better regulation is essential to competitiveness
• Rising political, economic and environmental
  consequences
• Capacity and competence of regulators and
  regulated stretched
• Evidence required for sound decisions often
  elusive
• Much to be learned from experience in other
  countries

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The Challenges to Regulators
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Mission

• Build on Carletons proven track record in public
  policy research, influence and training to
  understand, explore and improve on the regulatory
  challenges of today and tomorrow.
• Enhance capacity by training more regulatory
  practitioners
• Develop new strategies for effective regulation
• Build linkages across disciplines, with other
  universities, and with industry, governments and
  civil society organizations

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The Five Functions of the RGI
Better Regulations
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Under RGI, develop a regulatory science graduate
degree program

• To enhance graduate and professional education in
  regulation
• To support more effective regulation and
  regulatory systems in Canada and in a global
  environment
• To provide education opportunities for university
  students
• To improve the ability for the Public Service to
  attract and retain high quality individuals in
  the regulatory field

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Background

• Regulating is a core government function with
  more than 20,000 individuals in 15 departments
  and agencies
• Giving direction to the private sector
  evaluating hazards and carrying out risk
  assessments addressing health, environmental,
  and effectiveness concerns related to existing
  and new technology partnering monitoring and
  surveillance communication and engagement
  policy development
• Provinces, private sector, other non-governmental
  organizations also carry out regulatory functions
• 25 of 255,000 public service employees will be
  eligible to retire by 2012 and 50 of executives
  will be eligible to retire by 2012

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Background

• Need to enhance capacity in order to
• Carry out functions in an innovative, timely,
  progressive manner, in a global context
• Provide health and environmental protection for
  Canadians
• Meet other government commitments Public
  Service Renewal, Federal S and T Strategy,
  Government Directive on Streamlining Regulation
• Keep up with scientific and policy advances
• Replace the loss of expert scientists, skilled
  regulators and policy makers, managers, and
  seasoned investigators at a time when we are
  competing with many other public and private
  organizations for young talent

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Key Result Areas

• Year 1
• Research relevant programs in academic
  institutions and organizations in Canada and key
  OECD countries
• Input from Canadian and international government
  departments/agencies/industry regarding issues
  and needs
• Pilot Risk Management course
• Year 2
• Develop curriculum to meet needs at Masters
  level, interdisciplinary
• Initiate process for approval

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Approach

• Research existing programs, courses, institutions
  to develop a program that addresses gaps and
  meets needs
• Link with academic institutions for input, advice
  and cooperation
• Consult with governments, private sector, other
  NGOs for input on gaps, needs and validation
• Build on existing programs and material
• Develop the curriculum, find the expertise
• Test through piloting courses
• Initiate approval process
• Make available electronically
• Work within overarching Regulatory Governance
  Initiative

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Key Points Raised from Consultations

• High level of interest, need to build capacity
• Advisory Council needed
• Target science/policy interface
• Accommodate both science and policy
  undergraduates
• Address innovation both in science and policy
• Needs to be interdisciplinary
• Address how to interest students
• Funding needed
• Build on what exists, meet needs
• Internships, professional development important
• Key components Regulatory framework, risk
  management including risk communication and
  engagement, benefit/value/economics

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Benefits

• Develop a program or programs that meet current
  and future needs
• Build improved linkages between government and
  university community
• Build improved understanding between government
  and academic community
• Improved links between research needs of
  government and research activity of university

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Discussion

• Do other countries/organizations have the same
  concerns?
• What are the key issues?
• What are other countries/ organizations doing to
  address the concerns?