Federalism and Policy Development: Case of Adult Occupational Training in Ontario

In 1966 the Canadian government announced the abrupt termination of a longstanding conditional grant relationship with the provinces in the domain of technical and vocational education. It sought to substitute a radically new arrangement whereby it would purchase occupational training for adults as an integral part of an over-all manpower policy. This book examines what ensued with particular reference to the province of Ontario and offers unique insights into the conduct of federal-provincial relations from the level of first ministers through that of operating officials down to the grass roots of individual Canadian communities. It also assesses the opportunities and limitations attendant upon a major departure in manpower policy. By focusing on the role of public servants with quite distinct professional orientations – economists  and educationists – the book yields new insights into the contribution of appointed specialists to policy development.