2005 John McMenemy Prize

Winner: Stuart Soroka and Christopher Wlezien

Opinion Representation and Policy Feedback: Canada in Comparative Perspective, Canadian Journal of Political Science 37:3

Excerpt from jury report: The authors focus on examining the correspondence between public opinion and policy behaviour in Canada. Employing a “thermostatic” model of opinion and policy with respect to budgetary expenditure, the analysis finds that the public notices, and responds to, changes in public spending. Policymakers, moreover, represent these policy preferences. The Canadian findings are considered in light of similar studies conducted in the United States and Great Britain. The study makes a clear contribution to the fields of Canadian politics, comparative politics and public policy.