Change Labs and Government in Canada

In early 2013, the Public Policy Forum (PPF) engaged a range of experts and senior change labs leaders from Canada and abroad. Change labs represent a new approach to addressing complex and systemic social problems. Stakeholders, including governments, are recognizing that solving many of these chronic problems (for example, youth homelessness) requires inventive and collaborative techniques, engaging a range of public, private and community partners.  Change labs are a focused way to explore, develop and test new approaches to these enduring problems. The consultations, which were supported by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), focused on current practices and challenges for change labs, key elements of success, and roles for government in lab development and operation.