Quebec medicare: policy formulation in conflict and crisis

Abstract. The introduction of a government program of the magnitude of health insurance presents the policy analyst with a case study that is closer to Lind-blom's innovative ‘ideal type’ than to the ‘incremental’ policy type. This paper, based on part of a larger work, examines the Quebec decisions to implement a medicare plan in 1970 by analysing the action imperatives, constraints, uncertainties, inputs, outputs, and outcomes of the policy. The Quebec case presents special issues of policy and strategy resulting from Quebec's unique federal relationship, the unusual power of organized consumer groups, the split in the ranks of the profession, and the diflicult negotiations with the specialists resulting in their going on strike. The coincidence of this contestation with the Octaber kidnapping crisis resulted in the first back-to-work legislation applying to individual members of a profession in Canada. Sommaire. Le lancement d'un programme gouvernemental de l'envergure de l'assurance maladie présente à l'analyste un cas d'espèce qui resemble plus au « modèle idéal « inédit de Lindblom qu'aux politiques «à caractère graduel ». Dans cette communication, qui s'appuie sur un ouvrage plus vaste, l'auteur examine les décisions du Québec pour mettre en vigueur une assurance maladie en 1970, en analysant les impératifs, les limitations, les incertitudes, les tenants, les aboutissants et les conséquences de sa politique dans ce domaine. Le cas de Québec présente des questions politiques et stratégiques particulières éant donné les rapports du Québec avec le fédéral, le pouvoir exceptionnel des groupes de consommateurs, le désaccord au sein de la profession médicale et les négociations difficiles avec les spécialistes à la suite de leur grève. La simultanéité de cette contestation avec la crise d'octobre eut pour résultat l'adoption, pour la première fois au Canada, d'une législation ordonnant le retour au travail d'individus membres d'une profession libérale.     

Bitcoin,crypto-coins,and global anti-money laundering governance

Crypto-coins (CCs) like Bitcoin are digitally encrypted tokens traded in peer-to-peer networks whose money laundering potential has attracted the attention of regulators, firms and the wider public worldwide. This article assesses the effectiveness of the global anti-money laundering regime in balancing both the challenges and opportunities presented by these novel ‘altcoins’. Two main arguments are advanced. First, the implications that crypto-coins presently pose for global anti-money laundering efforts stem less from the threats of their illicit uses as digital currencies and more from the opportunities presented by their underlying blockchain technologies. Second, despite several shortcomings, the risk-based approach pursued by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) strikes an effective balance between the existing threats and opportunities that crypto-coins currently present. Rather than a conclusive evaluation however this article stresses the need for continual monitoring and investigation of the wider ethical implications raised by CCs for global efforts to combat money laundering in an era of rapid technological change.     

The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006: A Legitimisation of Age Discrimination in Employment

The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations, which implement theFramework Directive on Equal Treatment and Occupation, takeeffect in October 2006. Tackling age discrimination is seento be a means of achieving a more diverse workforce, yet intrying to achieve this objective there have been compromiseswith the principle of non-discrimination. During the consultationexercises preceding the Regulations there have been importantdifferences of approach between employers and trade unions.The Government has, mostly, adopted the approach supported byemployers. The result is a set of Regulations, which, althoughan important step forward in tackling age discrimination, havenumbers of exceptions which effectively legitimise some aspectsof age discrimination at work.     

Mental health correlates of the victim-perpetrator relationship among interpersonally victimized adolescents

This research examines mental health correlates of different victim-perpetrator relationships among adolescent victims of interpersonal violence. A large and nationally representative sample of adolescents (N = 4,023) responded to structured telephone interviews concerning mental health functioning (posttraumatic stress disorder-PTSD, major depressive disorder, substance abuse/dependence, and delinquency). Those reporting histories of sexual (n = 321) and/or physical (n = 688) assault were queried about specific aspects of their assaults, including their relationship with the perpetrator. After controlling for demographic and assault-related risk factors, the victim-perpetrator relationship remained a significant risk factor for mental health problems. Adolescents sexually assaulted by nonstrangers were at increased risk for PTSD; those sexually assaulted by acquaintances or people they did not know well were at increased risk for delinquency. Adolescents who were physically assaulted by a family member were at increased risk for PTSD. Explanations for the findings and the need for consistent assessment methods across related studies are discussed.     

We need a larger theory of negotiation: The importance of pre-negotiating phases

Negotiation Journal -     

Australia

European Journal of Political Research -