Skip to Main Content

Libraries & Cultural Resources

Research Guides

PPOL: Public Policy

General Guide on Researching Public Policy. Intended for individuals enrolled in the Master of Public Policy program at the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy.

Policy Documents: Canada

Most public policy is made by governments or intergovernmental organizations, either local/municipal, provincial/territorial/state or federal/national/international.  Policy documents may be found in a variety of government publications/documents including:

  • Government Reports
    • Annual Reports
    • Briefing Notes
    • Budget Documents - "Follow the Money"
      • Budget Speeches
      • Budget Papers
      • Business Plans
      • Estimates
      • Plans and Priorities
      • Performance Reports
    • Cabinet Submissions
    • Committee Meetings and Reports
    • Communiques
    • Debates (eg.  "Hansard")
    • Department or Ministry Mandates
    • Executive Summaries
    • Legislation (eg.  Bills, Statutes)
    • News or Press Releases
    • Position Papers
    • Reports and Publications
    • Royal Commissions, Commissions of Inquiry, Task Forces
    • Speeches, Statements, Announcements
    • Subordinate Legislation (eg. Regulations, Orders-in-Council, By-laws)
    • etc.

Since public policy may be found in any of the documents above, finding a public policy is often a very difficult process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Libraries & Cultural Resources