lecture slides Flashcards
1
Q
- Explain the impact of globalization on Canada’s sovereignty. Provide examples of international agreements.
A
- The impact of globalization on Canada’s sovereignty is evident through international agreements such as CUSMA (formerly NAFTA), CETA, and TPP. These agreements create interdependence, influencing decisions and policies within the country.
2
Q
- Describe the Canadian state’s tradition. Why is it considered a weak state?
A
- Canada has a tradition as a weak state, meaning that state institutions do not dominate the policy agenda. Public policy is malleable and defined by the current government rather than being set in stone.
3
Q
- Discuss the relationship between Ideas, Interests, and Institutions in shaping public policy in Canada. Provide examples of how each element contributes to the policy-making process.
A
- Ideas, Interests, and Institutions are integral to shaping public policy in Canada. Liberal ideas dominate, but conservative and social democratic perspectives also contribute. Canadian interests, diverse due to geography, and cultural aspects play a crucial role. Institutions, such as federalism, Parliament, and the courts, impact policy by legitimizing social power relationships, defining limits, and resolving conflicts. For instance, federalism reinforces regional characteristics, and Parliament sets the agenda. Overall, the interplay of these elements shapes the dynamic nature of public policy in Canada.
4
Q
- Explain one challenge mentioned in the Trends in Policy Development – Participation section.
A
- Answers may vary, but possible points could include issues related to accessibility, public engagement, or trust in regulatory agencies.
5
Q
- Describe the focus of the Cost trend in policy development and why it is considered important.
A
- Answers may vary, but possible points could include the importance of identifying hidden economic costs and the need for transparency.
6
Q
- Provide one example of a Common Interest in policy development.
A
- Example: Clean air and water
7
Q
- What is the significance of the Multicultural Implications section in the context of policy development?
A
- Answers may vary, but possible points could include the role of multiculturalism in policy and the challenges it poses.
8
Q
- Discuss the impact of Political Realities, specifically regionalism, on Canadian policies.
A
- Answers may vary, but possible points could include how regionalism influences policies in different parts of Canada.
9
Q
- Explain the basic process involved in the regulatory approval of conventional crops in Canada.
- List three claims made by anti-biotech activists regarding GM crops.
A
- Breeders are responsible for managing risks in their research programs in isolation (phytotron, laboratory, greenhouse). Once a stable cultivar is developed, the formal system starts using field trials. The data from field trials is submitted to variety recommending committees, and the Variety Recommending Office of the CFIA has final authority over the decision.
10
Q
- What are the key criteria established during the workshops held between 1988 and 1994 for the regulation of Plants with Novel Traits (PNTs)?
A
- GM crops not tested on humans
- No long term studies conducted
- Only industry data used
- Plants with traits that are sufficiently different from the same (or similar) species require a risk assessment.
- The product, not the process, should be regulated.
11
Q
- Describe the present regulatory frameworks for GM crops and mention any changes observed over the past 25 years.
A
- The basic regulatory framework for GM crops hasn’t changed much in the past 25 years, but it has become more rigid and difficult to navigate. Health Canada and the CFIA are reducing regulations for varieties created by genome editing, treating them as conventional varieties.
12
Q
- Discuss the role of international institutions such as IPPC, OIE, and Codex Alimentarius in establishing standards for plants, animals, and foods.
A
- International institutions such as IPPC, OIE, and Codex Alimentarius establish science-based standards for plants, animals, and foods. They provide non-binding dispute avoidance systems, technical expertise to WTO, and nominate experts for WTO dispute panels.
13
Q
- Explain one health benefit associated with GM crops, providing a relevant study as evidence. (5 points)
A
- (Answer will vary, but should reference a specific health benefit and study from the information provided.)
14
Q
- Discuss the regulatory challenges mentioned in the provided information and provide an example of a country affected by regulatory delays. (5 points)
A
Answer will vary, but should discuss a specific example of a country affected by regulatory delays and the challenges faced.)
15
Q
- What are socio-economic considerations, and why are they important in the context of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety? (5 points)
A
- (Answer should define socio-economic considerations and explain their importance in the context of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.)
16
Q
- Describe one environmental benefit associated with the movement to minimum and zero tillage.
A
- One environmental benefit is improved soil moisture conservation, leading to better seeding conditions and improved germination.
17
Q
- Explain the economic impact of reduced herbicide use, as estimated in the section on Environmental Impact.
A
- The estimated welfare effect of reduced herbicide use is $23 million, as farmers prefer to reduce the risks associated with herbicide exposure.
18
Q
- Provide two indicators under the theme “Water” in the National Index on Agri-Food Performance.
A
- Sub-indicators under the theme “Water” include A. Water quality and B. Water use.
19
Q
- In 2019, what were the net carbon emission trends in Saskatchewan soils for the periods 1991-1994 and 2016-2019?
A
- In the 91-94 period, Sask soils were a net C emitter at 0.28 Mt/yr, while in the 16-19 period, they were a net sink of 1.81 Mt/yr, annually storing up to 11% of Canada’s Paris Accord emission reductions.
20
Q
- Briefly discuss one indicator under the “Health” theme in the second set of indicators.
A
- One indicator under the “Health” theme is A. Provision of nutrition information.
21
Q
- Briefly explain the controversy surrounding IARC’s classification of glyphosate.
A
- Answers may vary, but the response should cover issues like editing of the report, manipulation of data, and conflicts of interest.
22
Q
- What is the current status of glyphosate use in the European Union, and what factors influenced this decision?
A
- Answers may vary, but the response should include information about the renewal process, consultation, and the extension granted.
23
Q
- Discuss the concerns raised about the California glyphosate lawsuit and its potential implications.
A
- Answers may vary, but the response should address the jury’s decision, cherry-picking of evidence, and the potential impact on farmers.