Karine Levasseur

Conditional and Unconditional Cash Transfers: Implications for Gender

Abstract Solving poverty is a laudable public policy goal. While there are many approaches, one that has gained popularity is the conditional cash transfer that requires recipients to satisfy conditions imposed on them such as requiring regular medical checkups. Another approach, which is gaining interest is unconditional cash transfers that do not impose conditions. The question we ask in this paper is: what do these past and current attempts tell us about the implications for gender? To answer this question, we explore two programs using a gendered framework: Brazils Bolsa Familia,which is a conditional cash transfer, and Manitobas Mincome experiment, which was an unconditional cash transfer in Canada. We then consider how this information might be used by states, particularly as it relates to ending social marginalization. Broadly, this research contributes to academic discussions of public policy, income, gender and social vulnerability.

Public policy and operational alignment in light of public service retrenchment – lessons learned from Canada

This article examines the Strategic and Operating Review (SOR) process used by the Government of Canada through a strategic management perspective. Initiated by the Harper government in the 2011 Budget as a one-year process, SOR is expected to secure savings of CDN

The snakes and ladders of accountability: Contradictions between contracting and collaboration for Canada's voluntary sector

4 billion by 2014–15 from the CDN

In the name of charity: Institutional support for and resistance to redefining the meaning of charity in Canada

80 billion operating budget of departments. Our article assesses to what degree the strategic operational cuts support the public policy priorities of the Harper government. Points for practitioners Using Canada as a case study to understand how budgetary cuts are handled, this article provides an opportunity to consider how policy makers align operational cuts with public policy priorities. While the budget cuts in this case study are operational in nature, they require direction from central government to support – not undermine – public policy priorities.