From Policy Wonk to Agent of Change

In one of the many pieces of advice he offered fellow politicians more than 2100 years ago, the Roman statesman Cicero recommended they “avoid any specific discussion of public policy at public meetings.” The reasons remain largely unchanged today: Problems are easy to identify, but solutions are more complex, controversial, and uncertain in outcome. Those qualities are anathema to politicians who depend on public approval and votes. As a result, they often prefer tried-and-tested policies and look suspiciously on anyone and anything beyond the norm.

That, in turn, means that anyone who formulates and brings forward policy ideas must also bring a deep reservoir of knowledge, thick skin and self-confidence to the task. For all that, there is Charles J. McMillan, who, for almost four decades, has been a leading participant, innovator and debater of public policy in Canada. Now, he has brought his encyclopedic knowledge to bear with The Age of Consequence: The Ordeals of Public Policy in Canada. Weighing in at 363 pages, it is a sweeping, balanced and thoroughly engaging summing up of the people, thinking and process behind major policy decisions in Canada since Confederation. [MORE]