Commissions of inquiry and policy analysis

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the important role public inquiries play in policy analysis in Canada. It begins with an overview of public inquiries, sometimes referred to as commissions of inquiry or royal commissions, why they are created, and how their role in policy analysis in Canada has evolved over time. Existing case study and comparative literature on public inquiries is used to illustrate how a more contextual approach has advanced our understanding of the complex contributions commissions of inquiry make to policy analysis. The chapter then outlines why commissions of inquiry remain an important part of policy analysis and the policy process, and why they will likely continue to be an important part of the Canadian policy landscape in the future.