A Proposal to Develop a Regulatory Science Program under Carleton University’s 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@carleton.ca

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 Carleton’s 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

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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

Discussion

• Do other countries/organizations have the same

concerns?

• What are the key issues?

• What are other countries/ organizations doing to

address the concerns?

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