Understanding Canadian Public Administration introduces students to both the theory and the practice of public administration in Canada. It surveys the basic elements of the field in a historical context, but with close attention to contemporary issues and developments, to emphasize the real, day-to-day impacts of public administration.

The text provides an overview of the field in the context of democratic government, including a comparison of the roles of the private and public sectors. The real world of government is examined, with a focus on how theoretical ideas are translated into practice. This fifth edition features updates on topical issues and new developments in the field, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on governmental policy and action, as well as new and updated sections on Aboriginal self-government, human resources, accountability, financial management, and intergovernmental administrative relations.

Understanding Canadian Public Administration invites students to examine the issues of public administration from their own viewpoints and through their own experiences, bringing the field to life and making it immediately relevant to their current context.