Few concepts in the social sciences literature have received as much attention from as many disciplines and policy sectors as the concept of “participation”. With public participation continuing to figure prominently in debates about improved government performance and increased...

In 1996, a newly elected government in the Province of Ontario, Canada, introduced a managed competition environment into the home care sector through the establishment of a competitive contracting process for home care services. Through 65 in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted between...

In this study we develop, appraise and compare alternative approaches to addressing the problem of determining the quantity and mix of nursing resources required for the health- care system in Ontario in the future. We argue that there is no ‘right’ number of nurses per se. On the contrary,...