Building Bridges: Case Studies in Collaborative Governance in Canada (Invenire)

The case studies contained in this book show real life examples of complex problems being addressed through collaboration. The problems confronting modern society are complex and do not lend themselves to simple solutions or linear decision making. They require the involvement of many stakeholders. This is often brought about by networks, which bring together a multitude of players in the search for solutions to public policy issues.

This can be challenging, as differing viewpoints and personalities, and often conflicting interests need to be acknowledged and reconciled. Yet without the involvement of all interested parties, solutions that emerge will likely be partial, distorted, and short-lived. The cases span a broad spectrum, including issues of poverty reduction, criminal gang reduction, environmental reparation, economic development for First Nations, building age-friendly communities, and co-management of fisheries.

Claude M. Rocan (1950-2020) was born in St. Boniface, Manitoba. He studied at Glendon College (York University), McMaster University, and earned a PhD in Political Science from York University. He held policy/advisory positions within the Government of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada at the senior professional and executive levels. As Director General of the Centre for Health Promotion at the Public Health Agency of Canada, he had the opportunity to directly experience the complexities and challenges-and potential - of collaborative governance. Following his career in the public service, he became Visiting Fellow at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa. In 2012, he published Challenges in Public Health: The Canadian Experience (Invenire Books). In his later years, he worked as an independent public policy writer, researcher, and consultant, specializing in governance.