Volume 6, issue 2
Insight 2009
Articles
The Pembina Institute: Balancing environmental policy with oil sands development in an industry-oriented economy
By Jordan Brown
ABSTRACT – The oil sands in northern Alberta are receiving global attention, yet literature discussing the work of environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs) in the province is sparse. This paper analyzes an ENGO, the Pembina Institute, and its roles and responsibilities concerning oil sands development in northern Alberta. Although interest groups involved with oil sands development represent a variety of stakeholders, civil society has had minimal involvement in the policymaking process. This is examined in relation to the Pembina Institute’s function to engage civil society. Most importantly, the relevance of the Pembina Institute in influencing the environmental policymaking process in Alberta is discussed in its various approaches to engaging the Government of Alberta, industry and civil society. This paper investigates the work of the Pembina Institute and how the organization is vital to informing Albertan civil society, which seems to be disconnected from a megaproject with long-term implications.
The Challenges of Housing Revitalization in Poor Urban Neighbourhoods: A Case Study on the Spence Neighbourhood in Winnipeg
By Rachel Buchanan and Carmen Budiwski
ABSTRACT – This paper examines housing revitalization in Winnipeg’s inner-city from local, national and global perspectives. Inadequate housing is a global phenomenon characterized by poverty, inequality, and marginalization. We will argue that Canada suffers from a systemic housing crisis that primarily affects immigrants and Aboriginal peoples. This study focuses on the Spence Neighbourhood Association (SNA), a community-based organization (CBO) funded by the Province of Manitoba. SNA has played a key role in promoting housing renewal in Winnipeg’s inner-city, including renovating boarded-up homes in order to provide affordable houses for low-income families. Yet, SNA has produced contradictory results, including the onset of gentrification. The paper concludes that Winnipeg is facing a housing crisis that will not be solved by CBOs alone; it will require the involvement of the Canadian government through the promotion of a national housing strategy, particularly to address the immediate housing needs of Aboriginal and immigrant communities.
Assessing Civil Society and Democracy in Mexico, via Case Study
By Julia Huys
ABSTRACT – The civil society sector (third sector) in Mexico has undergone drastic changes since democratic transition. Case studies presented in this paper outline the work of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) within Mexico City: ELIGE, a youth-led feminist organization; Alternativas y Capacidades, which works to strengthen the civil society sector in Mexico; and El Caracol, an organization focused on expanding the citizenship rights of street people. Each of these organizations takes a unique approach to their particular area of focus and inadvertently work to improve the situation of Mexico’s democracy. All three NGOs also work directly to enhance representation and participation for both Mexican citizens, and other non-state actors. The case studies allow the identification of areas in which Mexico’s new democracy falls short of full consolidation. Moreover, the cases identify areas in which Mexican NGOs themselves must improve, if they wish to be accountable and representative. These are imperative elements for Mexican organizations to acquire, as they will nurture the young democracy.
Poverty Reduction and National Autonomy: The Implications of Domestic Politics in Uganda
By David Morgan
ABSTRACT – The International Financial Institutions herald the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) process as an effective means to enhance “country ownership” of development. However, critics argue that ownership continues to exist within parameters that have been predetermined by the IFIs. Their criticisms rest on two basic assumptions: first, PRSPs restrict, rather than enhance, national autonomy; and second, greater autonomy positively contributes to poverty reduction. This paper will dispute these assumptions and argue that there is more policy space at the domestic level than critics suggest. It will then contend that this autonomy does not inherently produce positive outcomes, and can even assume a “predatory” character. With reference to Uganda’s poverty reduction strategy, it will conclude that government policies, in practice, are often distinctly different from those prescribed by the IFIs. This makes it important to study the implications of this autonomy in relation to poverty reduction.
Sovereignty
By Jane Powell Leadbeater
ABSTRACT – This paper analyses key elements of the imposition of economic liberalization in Haiti. Like other countries with a history of colonialism, dependence, and post-independence authoritarianism and corruption, Haiti has faced great difficulties sustaining a sovereign and democratic nation. Weak governance, declining gross domestic product (GDP), and ineffective development policies led to the imposition of structural adjustment policies, beginning in the late 1990s. Despite International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank optimism, structural adjustment has not improved Haiti’s economic standing. In fact, it has challenged the core of the country’s already weak political structures. Social aspirations of the largely poor Créole majority — expressed through former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and his party, the Fanmi Lavalas — came into conflict with the predominantly francophone ruling class backed by Western powers. Living standards continue to decline and Haiti remains vulnerable both politically and economically.