Abstract

GLOBALIZATION AND PUBLIC POLICY IN NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR:
EXPLORING THE LINKS AND IMPLICATIONS

Mike Woodford

Globalization receives much attention in the policy literature, particularly its consequences for nation states and their social programs. Teeple (2000), for instance, provides an in-depth analysis of globalization and its implications for Keynesian-based welfare states. While understanding of the intersection between globalization and public policy is growing, it is limited to national and international contexts. Systematic inquiry at other policy levels is needed. This paper begins to close this gap by enhancing conceptual and pragmatic insight of the phenomenon at a provincial level.

This paper presents the results of a qualitative case study of globalization and provincial public policy and policymaking in Newfoundland and Labrador. Specifically, the author addresses (a) how globalization is understood and perceived in the provincial domain, (b) the influence of globalization on provincial policies and the policy-making process, including the significance of and challenges in provincial-federal relations, and (c) the difficulties in achieving social goals in this environment. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with senior provincial government officials and analyzed using grounded theory methods.

Given the division of responsibility for public policy in Canada, the force of globalization, and the consequence of provincial policies on people’s lives, this paper helps policymakers and social advocates to understand the impacts of globalization at the provincial level. The paper calls for increased awareness of globalization in the provincial policy context and stresses the tensions experienced in balancing economic and social goals.

Bio

Mike Woodford is a doctoral candidate in social work at the University of Toronto. His area of research is social policy and community engagement, specifically social planning/policy development and the process of community participation and empowerment. His previous research has focused on empowerment theory in human service organizations. Prior to beginning a PhD, Mike worked with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador in policy development and planning. He teaches policy/community practice, social administration, and qualitative research.

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