Small projects, big impact
Times Colonist
September 3, 2010

…. Governments should be keener on small experiments rather than grand initiatives. Take the B.C. government's province-wide launch of full-day kindergarten.

There are good arguments for the system based on research elsewhere. There is also research that suggest more focused investments provide greater benefits.

So instead of committing $400 million over three years to bringing in full-day kindergarten, why not test the alternatives. Fund full-day kindergarten for Prince George, for example, while using the same money to target at-risk preschoolers in Nanaimo. Try kindergarten supported by summer programs in another community. Monitor, learn and make an informed decision based on the outcomes.

Governments seem to like big, bold gestures -- witness the "five great goals for a golden decade," the rush to private power production or the decision to launch five unaccountable regional health authorities.

It might make more sense to launch one regional health authority, compare the results with the existing system and decide on the next step.

B.C. Hydro could test private power production while developing its own projects, then compare the costs and benefits of both before making an informed decision.

Different approaches to First Nations child protection and family support could be tried in different regions instead of a series of system-wide transformations.

Smaller tests might not garner the same headlines as grand initiatives or provide as much fodder for politicians' speeches.

They would, however, likely bring smarter, more cost-effective government.