SOWK 710, Advanced Social Policy: Think Tanks, Foundations, Institutes, Agencies

Concerned with revitalizing neighbourhoods and creating sustainable community development, building, the Action for Neighbourhood Change initiative ran from the Spring 2005 to Spring 2007 in Surrey, Regina, Thunder Bay and Halifax and was entirely funded by the federal government and coordinated by United Way Canada in partnership with the Caledon Institute of Social Policy, the National Film Board of Canada, Tamarack: An Institute for Community Engagement and regional United Way offices.

Founded in 1958, the C.D. Howe Institute “is a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization that aims to improve Canadians' standard of living by fostering sound economic and social policy.” It is popularly known as one of the more conservative research institutes in Canada.

The Caledon Institute Social Policy is a Canadian social policy think located in Ottawa. It is a private, non-profit organization that maintains a charitable status (primarily funded by the Maytree Foundation). Their homepage states that “The Caledon Institute of Social Policy does rigorous, high-quality research and analysis; seeks to inform and influence public opinion and to foster public discussion on poverty and social policy; and develops and promotes concrete, practicable proposals for the reform of social programs at all levels of government and of social benefits provided by employers and the voluntary sector." Lots of free online publications.

Founded in 1980, the head office for the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives is located in Ottawa, Ontario with regional offices in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Nova Scotia. As an independent and non-partisan research institute, the Center is concerned with a wide range of issues and topics related to social and economic justice.

The Canadian Drug Policy Coalition is comprised of over 50 organizations and 6,000 individuals working to support the development of a drug policy for Canada that is based in science, guided by public health principles, is respectful of the human rights of all, and seeks to include people who use drugs and those harmed by the war on drugs in moving towards a healthier Canadian society. [From Website]

Founded in 1974, the Fraser Institute’s head office is located in Vancouver with regional offices in Calgary and Toronto. The Institute is dedicated to "researching the role competitive markets, lower taxes, and less regulation" play in "enhancing our lives." The site offers numerous publications on fiscal policy, energy, governance, health and education. Touting itself as “an independent research and educational organization,” it is primarily funded through corporate contributions.

A federal government agency that works to promote economic, social, social, cultural and economic equality for women. As the website states, “SWC focuses its work in three areas: improving women's economic autonomy and well-being, eliminating systemic violence against women and children, and advancing women's human rights.” See the Policy Research Publications section for free online policy publications addressing a wide range of issues including, Bill C-31, child care, health, disability, employment standards, unpaid work, violence, land claims, drug use, polygamy, housing and more.

Raise the Rates is a coalition of community groups and organizations concerned with the level of poverty and homelessness in British Columbia.

A non-profit organization committed to promoting the well-being of all First Nations children, youth, families and communities. Their website contains a wealth of information – research publications and a free online journal.

A wealth of information and publications on government policy and research.