A multi-sectoral research partnership investigating precarious employment directly influenced employment policies. This case illustrates the value of partner organizations with experience in knowledge brokering, and the importance of building relationships to influence policy.
Project: Poverty and Employment Precarity in Southern Ontario (PEPSO)
https://pepso.ca/
Impacts
Increased public awareness of the scope and effects of the labour market’s shift toward precarious employment
Directly informed the formulation of the Stronger Workplaces for a Stronger Economy Act (Bill 18)
Knowledge Exchange Strategy
Stakeholder engagement; knowledge brokering; communication planning; collaboration
Goals
Increase understanding of and policy responses to precarious employment
Activities
- Developed consistent messaging and branding
- Publicized and coordinated well-attended research launch events
- Published a series of articles in the Toronto Star
- Nurtured relationships with relevant policy makers
Keys to making it work
- Partner(s) with communication and knowledge brokering expertise
- Partner(s) who can open access to decision-makers and a range of networks
- Strategic and consistent messaging
- Media training
Resources
Influencing Policy Development
Research Lead: Dr. Wayne Lewchuk, Professor, Labour Studies, McMaster University
Case Contributors:
Dr. Wayne Lewchuk, Professor, Labour Studies, McMaster University
Michelynn Laflèche, Director, Research, Public Policy & Evaluation, United Way Toronto & York Region
Stephanie Procyk, Manager, Research, Public Policy & Evaluation, United Way Toronto & York Region
Caroline Fram, Research Assistant, PEPSO
Partners: More than 20 partners from private, public, and non-profit organizations
Research funded by SSHRC
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