Blog Post
“Laws are like sausages; it is better not to see them being made.”
This quote, attributed to German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck in 1868, suggests that policy development is disgusting to witness yet produces something tasty and marketable. I never liked Otto’s quote (indeed there’s no evidence he actually said it). Not because policy development isn’t occasionally unpalatable to watch unfold ― it certainly can be. Rather, it’s a lousy metaphor because it misses the many ways in which policy can be the very opposite of disgusting.
Consider policy development not like industrial meat production but like music. Instead of imagining bits and pieces put in a grinder then covered in slick packaging, think of the many types of music and ways in which they are developed, presented, and appreciated.
Like music, policy comes in many forms. Some policy resembles a magnificent symphony: great pieces of legislation that set in motion the steps to take us to the moon, sequence the genome, enact sweeping reforms to correct injustices, or put us on a path to a cleaner environment for generations. Other policy is less grand, and geared towards popular tastes and topics, like favourites on the radio: decisions about how much snow must fall before cities unleash their snowplows, or whether to provide tax relief to sports teams to encourage them to remain in town. (This leads one to ask: what is the policy equivalent of chamber music, underground grunge, or a cappella choirs?)
Like music, policy development requires many players: elected officials, civil servants, experts, committees, diverse publics, and advocates all have a role in its crafting, implementation, and evaluation. All are essential. But it takes special skills, leadership, and trust.
Like music, policy development occurs at different speeds (tempo) and often struggles to achieve agreement (harmony) when only disagreement (dissonance) exists. Sometimes, like the strategic use of silence in a musical score, it is best for some policies to wait until society is ready.
This is the environment in which the Council of Canadian Academies operates: at the intersection of science, technology, and innovation policy. We have provided input on broad, even grand issues, affecting all Canadians ― the state of science and technology in Canada, STEM skills and economic productivity, and Canada’s research strengths ― and also on issues affecting more specific populations like medicines for children and food security in Northern Canada. During the coming year we will focus on the value of marine shipping and the transportation needs of an aging population, and revisit the state of science and technology and industrial research and development in Canada.
There are many players in Canada’s science policy orchestra: excellent researchers who study science and science policy; experts who provide detailed analyses of the gaps in knowledge and needs; practitioners who can translate that information for effective deliberation; and skilled evaluators who can assess the impact and outcomes. The CCA lends an instrument to this orchestra, providing key information to inform decision-making. It plays its own important notes.
I look forward to sharing more information with you about the work of the CCA and our efforts to address the assessment needs of the country. Thank you for your continued readership.
Eric M. Meslin, PhD, FCAHS
President and CEO
Council of Canadian Academies