The Development Of Canada's Oceans Policy

THE DEVELOPMENT OF CANADA'S OCEANS POLICY Ronald W. Crowley and Raymond C. Bourgeois Economic and Commercial Analysis Directorate Department of Fisheries and Oceans 200 Kent Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A OE6 Cnnndn ndopted a new National Oceans Policy in 1987. This policy was the result of boUi domestic and intemational forces. The rintion's peogrnphy, its existing oceans research capability nnd govemment priorities all converged in nntional focus in the mid-1980's. Canada's pivotal role in UNCLOS JII and the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention, and the U.S. challenge to its sovetcignty over the Northwest Pnssage, were also key. Tliis paper assesses the process by wliicli this policy was developed and identifies key considedons that led to its pmmulgntion. Policy development theory and policy models are exnniined with a view to determining the extent to which the developnient of Cnnadn's National Oceans Policy meets their criterii. ?he process lending to the Policy involved extensive consultations with many interests. How these consultations affected the final policy is reviewed. Tie paper cwcliitles with comments an the usefiilness of policy pmcess nidels and with a review of' lessons leanled.