Federalism and Policy Development : The Case of Adult Occupational Training in Ontario

In 1966 the Canadian government announced the abrupt termination of a longstanding conditional grant relationship with the provinces in the domain of technical and vocational education. It sought to substitute a radically new arrangement whereby it would purchase occupational training for adults as an integral part of an over-all manpower policy. This book examines what ensued with particular reference to the province of Ontario and offers unique insights into the conduct of federal-provincial relations from the level of first ministers through that of operating officials down to the grass roots of individual Canadian communities. It also assesses the opportunities and limitations attendant upon a major departure in manpower policy. By focusing on the role of public servants with quite distinct professional orientations – economists and educationists – the book yields new insights into the contribution of appointed specialists to policy development. Contents 5 Preface 11 Part One: Transition 19 1. The federal-provincial scene 19 2. Toward a manpower policy 44 3. Profile of a province 68 4. The clash of grand designs 97 Part Two: Operation 127 5. The federal government as buyer 127 6. The province as seller 159 7. An intergovernmental marketplace? 198 Part Three: Conclusion 229 8. Assessment, diagnosis, prescription, and perspective 229 Appendix, Index 255 Appendix 255 Index 257