F. Leslie Seidle

This volume analyzes immigrant integration policies and the implications for governance in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States. Leading experts review recent developments in their respective countries and current public policies and programs in three categories: selection/admission, economic and social integration, and civic and political integration (including naturalization). These analyses show that the integration of immigrants is an ongoing process that extends beyond the initial years of settlement in a new country, involving the actions of different governments, non-governmental organizations and others. By examining a range of policy and governance issues from the perspective of federalism, this volume fills a gap in the literature on immigrant integration. It will interest not only academics and researchers but also political representatives and public servants concerned with these important topics.

This volume analyzes immigrant integration policies and the implications for governance in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States. Leading experts review recent developments in their respective countries and current public policies and programs in three categories: selection/admission, economic and social integration, and civic and political integration (including naturalization). These analyses show that the integration of immigrants is an ongoing process that extends beyond the initial years of settlement in a new country, involving the actions of different governments, non-governmental organizations and others. By examining a range of policy and governance issues from the perspective of federalism, this volume fills a gap in the literature on immigrant integration. It will interest not only academics and researchers but also political representatives and public servants concerned with these important topics.

Indentifying public policy areas that require particular attention to fully realize the economic and human potential of Canada

An examination of Canadian and international approaches to recognizing and accommodating diversity .

The two studies in Interest Groups and Elections in Canada explore the nature and influence of special interest groups. They consider different aspects of the question, "In the context of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, how can the laws intended to secure a fair electoral process be reconciled with freedom of expression?" Janet Hiebert reviews the limits on interest groups adopted in 1974 and amended in 1983, profiles the groups involved int he 1988 federal election, and discusses relevant legislation and jurisprudence in the provinces and abroad. She concludes that spending limits for parties and candidates will only be effective if there are also restrictions on independent expenditures during elections by groups and individuals. Brian Tanguay and Barry Kay assess the influence attributed to locally oriented interest groups, including by members of Parliament, and conclude that these organizations have less influence on the political process than is the popular view. The authors conclude that dissatisfaction is a key variable explaining the role of these interest groups and their activities during elections.

This book is one of 23 volumes of research commissioned by the Royal Commission on Electoral Reform and Party Financing, and one of five volumes within this series dealing specifically with party and election finance. Because the issue of money in elections is as old as democracy, the experience of other countries is instructive. The studies in this volume offer Canadians information about approaches to funding political parties and elections in the United States and Western Europe. The studies by Herbert Alexander and Robert Mutch exmaine how the United States has approached issues such as contribution limits and the disclosure of election finances. The latter study provides explicit comparisons to Canada, noting the constitutional roleof the Supreme Court in each country. Jane Jenson draws on Western European experience to propose and assess reforms for the public funding for party foundations is documented by Michael Pinto-Duschinsky. The studies approach theirm aterial from a historical perspective, noting the uniqueness of the constitutions, institutions, and traditions of the countries reviewed. The authors provide background essential to any consideration of whether foreign experience might serve as a model for Canada.