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Green Paper
DCHP-2 (Dec 2012)
Spelling variants:green paper
Non-Canadianism
This is a word that our editors have determined is not a Canadianism.
n. — Politics
a government document that invites national public discussion on possible policy changes.
A Green Paper is defined as an official document sponsored by the Crown intended to spark national discussion on an issue prior to decisions on policy (see Parliament of Canada reference, s.v.“Green Papers Introduction”). Thus, a Green Paper is formulated near the beginning of the policy-making process (see Canadian Encyclopedia, s.v. “Green Paper”) and is followed by recommendations, consultation and ideally legislation (see the 2008 quotation). Examples of subjects discussed in Green Papers range from pension plans and health care to road safety and sales tax (see Parliament of Canada reference, s.v. “Green Paper Complete List”).
The term Green Paper is said to have been coined by London newspapers in Great Britain after their first introduction in 1967 (see Parliament of Canada reference, s.v.“Green Papers Introduction”). Accordingly, OED-3 marks the term as used “in the United Kingdom and similar jurisdictions” (see OED-3, s.v. “Green Paper”), such as Canada (see Chart 1). The name apparently derives from the standard colour of document covers - green (see Parliament of Canada reference, s.v.“Green Papers Introduction”). In Canada, however, Green Papers are more difficult to identify, as their title pages are not always green nor are they explicitly titled “Green Paper”. Examples of titles of Green Papers in Canada include”Discussion Papers”, “Consultation Papers”, “Frameworks”, “Visions”, “Proposals” or “Strategies” (see Parliament of Canada reference, s.v. “Green Paper Complete List”).
See also COD-2, s.v. “Green Paper”, which is marked “Cdn & Brit.” and Gage-5, s.v. “green paper”, which is marked “Cdn.”
The term Green Paper is said to have been coined by London newspapers in Great Britain after their first introduction in 1967 (see Parliament of Canada reference, s.v.“Green Papers Introduction”). Accordingly, OED-3 marks the term as used “in the United Kingdom and similar jurisdictions” (see OED-3, s.v. “Green Paper”), such as Canada (see Chart 1). The name apparently derives from the standard colour of document covers - green (see Parliament of Canada reference, s.v.“Green Papers Introduction”). In Canada, however, Green Papers are more difficult to identify, as their title pages are not always green nor are they explicitly titled “Green Paper”. Examples of titles of Green Papers in Canada include”Discussion Papers”, “Consultation Papers”, “Frameworks”, “Visions”, “Proposals” or “Strategies” (see Parliament of Canada reference, s.v. “Green Paper Complete List”).
See also COD-2, s.v. “Green Paper”, which is marked “Cdn & Brit.” and Gage-5, s.v. “green paper”, which is marked “Cdn.”
Quotations
1970
However, Mr. Gairdner took the opportunity to present Gairdner’s Green Paper, his response to the federal Government white paper on tax reform. The pamphlet, printed on green paper, contains 27 recommendations on “how to reform the reforms before they become the law”.
1971
Mr. Faulkner submitted a “green paper”--a Government document for debate that could lead to a bigger Parliament and Senate and changes in the way Ulster holds its elections.
1985
The new Conservative federal government is preparing to release a green paper likely to set the tone for Canada’s foreign policy in the years to come.
1998
The document will refine proposals made in a “green paper” earlier this year to turn over management of the system to the private sector and stimulate competition for registering new Internet addresses.
2008
Bechard’s green paper, which will be followed by consultations and legislation by the end of the year, does not deal with the immediate problems of forestry workers who have lost their jobs.
2010
Why do citizens need access to information held by the government? According to the 1977 Green Paper that essentially brought us our federal law, “Open government is the basis of democracy.” Why do we need access-to-information laws? Because the government has strong political incentives to prevent the disclosure of potentially embarrassing and damaging information.
References
- COD-2
- Gage-5
- Parliament of Canada • “Green Papers Complete List”
- Parliament of Canada • “Green Papers Introduction”
- OED-3
- The Canadian Encyclopedia • “Green Paper”
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