The Strategic Policy Sector (SPS) provides policy leadership for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. The Sector works to achieve an integrated approach to policy formulation by developing and advising on policies aimed at the growth of economic prosperity in Canada. The Sector is engaged in research, analysis and advocacy, focusing primarily on policies related to:
- marketplace frameworks;
- knowledge and innovation; and
- the business environment for wealth creation.
The Sector supports policy research and discussion; develops, advises and makes recommendations on domestic and international economic policy; coordinates briefings for Cabinet; and provides oversight on regional operations and consumer affairs.
Mandate
The Sector's goal is to build Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada into a centre of excellence for micro-economic policy to effectively address the wide range of current and emerging business and market-related issues that have an impact on Canadians, both now and in the future.
SPS leads the Department in micro-economic policy by:
- achieving excellence in applied micro-economic research and analysis;
- providing policy advice based on a strong analytical foundation; and
- engaging with think tanks, leaders and academics to bring new perspectives into policy discussions.
SPS manages integrated policy formulation and implementation by:
- developing and planning the ministerial policy agenda and supporting its implementation;
- providing leadership on the sustainable wealth creation agenda across government; and
- identifying Canada's interests in international forums and supporting Canadian participation.
SPS achieves its mandate by:
- managing the Department's planning process on policy priorities, the Speech from the Throne and the federal budget;
- maintaining effective communications between the Department and central government agencies;
- developing policies, legislation and regulations on corporate and insolvency law, foreign investment, competition, copyright, trademark and industrial design, and patent;
- developing policies, legislation and rules for the telecommunications and wireless services industries;
- leading and advising on federal negotiations with the provinces and territories on the Agreement on Internal Trade;
- advising on trade policies;
- leading Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada involvement on horizontal issues such as aboriginal economic development, skills, standards, sustainable development, corporate social responsibility, and eco-efficiency;
- maintaining contact with the micro-economic policy research community;
- conducting micro-economic policy research and analyses; and
- communicating research results throughout government and through the university and stakeholder communities.
SPS attracts and retains highly qualified employees by:
- creating a workplace of choice based on excellence, respect, integrity, diversity and open communication;
- maintaining a program of continuous learning and development; and
- championing the use of both official languages in the workplace, while providing opportunities for all sector employees to improve their second language through training, mentoring, and events.
See the Message from the Assistant Deputy Minister and Careers in the Strategic Policy Sector.
See the Organization