Governance Framework Trajectory for Major Public Projects: The Case of Canada

Abstract

The aim of this article is to understand the dynamic evolution of a governance framework for major public projects. Drawing on Ralf Müller’s contributions in the field of project studies regarding governance, combined with a theoretical anchoring in neo-institutionalism, we seek to shed light on the evolutive aspects of a governance framework, also framed as a public policy. Based on the case of Canada, relying on secondary sources and ethnographic sensitivity, we trace the trajectory of the policy (the governance framework) and highlight the main evolutions and turning points. Five iterations are documented, resulting in increasing complexity over time and institutional layering. The theoretical contribution is to uncover the dynamic and evolving nature of governance frameworks, whereas the practical benefit is to enable decision makers to understand the implications of layering and find the right balance between novelty and overlap for optimal project governance.