Department of Political Science


Course Information



POLITICS 459 - Selected Topics in Public Policy, Public Administ ration and Public Law


96-1 Topic: Canadian Natural Resource and Environmental Policy

In 96-1 this course is being taught by Professor Michael Howlett, AQ 6043 291-3082, em ail howlett@sfu.ca Office Hours: 1:30-2:30 THURSDAYS

23 Class Time: Thursday 10:30-1:30
Class Location: CC5100

Politics 459 (96-1)
Selected Topics in Public Administration, Public Policy and Law
M. Howlett

Preliminary Exam Questions

Six of these questions will be on the final exam. You will be asked to answer three.

1. How significant are Canadian natural resources to the present day Canadian economy? How does this compare with their significance in past eras?

2. Discuss the role played by natural resources in Canadian international trade

3. Nemetz argues that duplication of jurisdiction over the environment in a federal system is unavoidable, but beneficial. Critically assess the merits of this argument.

4. What are proprietary rights? Discuss their origins and significance for the control over natural resources and the environment in Canada.

5. What have been the major types of policy instruments utilized in Canadian natural resource policy? Why have these been favoured?

6. Discuss the role and limitations on public participation in Canadian environmental policy formation.

7. How do international trade agreements affect the ability of Canada to control its natural resource industries and maintain its standards of environmental protection. Be sure to specifically address the impact of NAFTA in your answer.

8. According to the United Nations, sustainability issues will figure more prominently in the future at both the domestic and international levels. Keeping this in mind, assess the merits of the Canadian response to the Brundtland Commission.

9. What are the implications of native land claims for resource management in Canada?

10. Using examples from the mineral and forestry sectors, discuss the impact of Canadian environmental laws on resource exploration, extraction and production.

11. What is a countervailing duty? How have American trade actions affected Canadian resource production and policies? Use examples from cases discussed in class readings in composing your answer.

12. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of market-based and state-based means of environmental protection. <

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