introduces the student to the interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder nature of regional policy and development. The course will provide the student with a contextual framework to integrate existing knowledge and experiences as well as future studies within the field. The student will learn to utilize practical tools and approaches to overcome regional policy and development challenges.

examines public policy and planning relating to regional development at the sub-provincial, local or other functional region levels, with an emphasis on the interactions between levels of government and between government and non-government policy players in the ever-broadening spectrum of governance. It includes proactive programs intended to impact sectors, regions and labor markets, and it includes the unintended impacts governments can have as they consider the myriad of interests and pressures that influence decision making in a democracy. This course includes the incremental evolution of public policy through conventions and practices; through government statements and ‘positions’; and through the ideologically-informed platforms of parties that form governments, and of the industry, labor and non-governmental organization positions on related issues that form public discourse.

is a one semester period of practical community-based work designed to provide experience in policy analysis, strategic planning, researching and evaluating opportunities, proposal writing, project management or other topics related to regional policy and development. Students will work in an environment that is interdisciplinary and has multiple stakeholders with competing interests. Students will learn to apply the skills they have acquired in the completion of certificate program course work to real-life regional policy and development challenges.