CANADA

Canada's democratic institutions are strong, with protections for electoral fairness and civil rights exceptionally robust.

High media ownership concentration at the regional level and small impediments to legal certainty serve only as minor blemishes on an otherwise pluralistic media and law-based society.

Canada has shown an excellent economic performance in recent years, due to a variety of factors.

A highly innovative mix of industries has been boosted by an investment-friendly bureaucracy and fiscally prudent governments. The country is rich in resources.

The country has the G7's strongest job-creation record over the last decade, although labor productivity growth is slow.

Tax revenue is substantial, and is used to reduce the federal debt.

Socioeconomic disparities have been reduced, but child and aboriginal poverty remain significant policy issues.

The universal health care system focuses on preventative care. However, quality has suffered in recent years.

Family benefits are generous, enabling women to combine work and parenting, but no universal day care system exists.

Unusually among its the OECD peers, Canada's pension system is fiscally solid.

Canada's close partnership with the United States dominates its external security policy, although the countries' national interests sometimes conflict.

Recent internal security policy changes have led to civil liberties complaints.

Despite high levels of immigration, Canada is very successful at integrating immigrants into society and the labor market.

A onetime environmental pioneer, Canada has trailed on climate change, proposing to abandon the Kyoto protocol in favor of a domestic solution.

The country's overall research spending is above the OECD average, but is weighed down by low business-based research.

The education system performs excellently in terms of equity across social divisions, although aboriginal Canadians tend to have lower educational achievements.

Strategic planning, advised by experts when needed, plays a dominant role in central government decision-making.

Ministries and civil servants cooperate closely, coordinated by the Privy Council Office and a well-staffed prime minister's office. RIAs are required for new legislation.

The current government has proven well able to communicate with a single coordinated voice.

Although governments' overall legislative efficiency is low, successive administrations have proved able to implement major policy initiatives.

A total of 56.6 percent of government-sponsored bills were adopted in parliament during the review period.

Neither the Senate nor the Supreme Court blocked the implementation of a law in this period.

Canada's most direct external pressures come from North American integration, to which it has adapted well.

However, the country has been slower to respond to international developments related to climate change.

The country's health regulations and immigration polices prove it a reform pioneer, rather than follower.

Institutional reforms are implemented frequently to improve strategic capacity.

Most recently, after entering office, the Harper government reintroduced the institution of cabinet committees and altered the organization of the Privy Council Office.

Canadian citizens tend to have good general knowledge of policy issues, in part due to a national media providing high-quality and in-depth information.

The parliament has, and uses, substantial executive oversight authority.

Party platforms tend to make broad, but coherent appeals. Business and labor groups in particular offer reasonable policy proposals.