2011 Co-op Testimonials


Michelle Bailey
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada-Policy and Knowledge Development Branch

The main policy issues I encounterd during my workterm were social finance, volunteerism, corporate social responsibility and community development.  In particular, it was exciting to participate in the process of formulating federal policy related specifically to social enterprise.

Kristen Barnes
Industry Canada-Policy, Analysis and Intelligence

My topics of research ranged from fuel cells to productivity and the Asia Pacific Gateway. I enjoyed combining research work with opportunities to network with stakeholders.

Terri Blackburn
Environment Canada-Audit and Evaluation Branch

I was drawn to this position because I believe that evaluation is an important tool in policy work, since decision makers need to know whether policies are achieving intended goals and producing expected results.

Ashley Bruner
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Going forward, this position has confirmed my interest in a career related to municipal housing whether that is with CMHC, municipal government or an NGO.

Mark Bryan
Environment Canada-Current Analysis and Economic Research Unit

What I enjoyed the most was that I was instantly treated as a member of the team and not given easy tasks for the first few weeks while they assessed my abilities.

Michele Buckman
SFU Department of Economics-Centre for Education Research and Policy

My motivation to enter the MPP program was informed by my desire to be part of the policy making process. It is important to me to be in a public policy position where I can imbue the policy process with an Aboriginal perspective. My experience with the Centre for Education Research and Policy has reinforced my desire to press for change within Canadian institutions and processes. My experience has demonstrated for me firsthand why change is necessary and important.

Amanda Card
Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives-Climate Justice Project

This term highlighted that there are many opportunities to engage in dialogue about public policy with the wider community, and that there are a lot of different ways to work towards social justice.

Joey Chopra
BC Ecological Goods and Services Project

Through this experience, I gained valuable knowledge about sustainable farming, ecological goods and services and the complexities surrounding the evaluation of economic and biological benefits within the EG&S framework.

Tara Cooper
Public Works and Government Services-Public Private Partnerships Development and Advisory Services, Real Property Branch

This job represented a complete change of direction from what I had been doing for five years prior to starting the MPP program. I learned that my research skills were very versatile and I was able to jump into subject matter that was unfamiliar to me at the start.

Kacey Dalzell
Provincial Health Services Authority-Quality, Safety and Performance Improvement

This position enabled me to learn alongside important decision makers and people responsible for shaping the services provided by PHSA. I see that my career goals are within reach, and in fact are much closer than I first anticipated.

Jessica Davies
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development-Treaty Negotiations

My work on Agreements in Principle was very interesting because it allowed me to examine a wide variety of federal policies from an Aboriginal Treaty Negotiation perspective. Everything from resource management, to adoption and child welfare, taxation and health policies had to be understood from a federal perspective

Stephanie deBest
BC Ministry of Children and Family Development Strategic Planning Unit

As a Research Assistant, I was fortunate to connect with many people working in the Coast Fraser Region and Provincial office and plan to maintain those connections as I pursue a career in the public service.

Francisco Gallegos
Instituto de Investigacion Y Capcitacion Campesina IICCA

After seeing the importance of policy work in real life and knowing how much it means to the life of people, I know how much my studies will contribute to my professional career in the future. 

Meredith Haaf
Two Part-time: Human Early Learning Project and Great Schools Project-BC Teachers Federation

My experience at HELP will greatly influence my second year in the MPP program. It allowed me to formulate a topic for my capstone thesis, and collect both data and literature on my area of interest.

Claire Havens
Environment Canada-Canadian Wildlife Services

I have met many individuals who have dedicated their professional lives to finding solutions to marian spatial planning, marine conservation and the coastal economy.  My work confirmed that I want to pursue a career in the field of marine policy especially since this is such an interesting time for marine protected area designations. 

Scott Ireson
Learning Disabilities Association of BC

I am starting 2nd year with renewed focus and a greater thirst for learning.  Using my academic skills in the workplace allowed me to realize the concrete and practical nature of my studies rather than feeling stuck in an abstract academic mindset.

Kaleigh Johnston
Ministry of  Social Development-Employment and Labour Market Services Division

I gained a large spectrum of knowledge about procurement, an area I wasn't familiar with prior to the term. The Ministry is a great place to learn more about provincial government, in particular employment services.

Jesse Joice
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade-Greater China Division

Through my work, I learned a great deal about how a government department works, how to prioritize and manage large projects, as well as how to use discretion in solving issues and writing and preparing documents for government use.

Debbie Kraus
BC Housing Management Commission-Research and Planning, Corporate Services Division

When I first started the MPP program, I thought I would return to consulting, which I have always enjoyed. However, I really liked the camaraderie working at BC Housing and being part of a team. I also appreciated the potential to identify issues at an early stage and consider how new ideas can be implemented.

Lynette Krebs
CIDA - Strategic Policy and Performance Branch

My work at CIDA has further strengthened my commitment to working in public health. Much of my work focuesed on building an evidence-base for various future CIDA directions and programming in health.

Jeanette Moss
Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network BC

Disability-related policy-making is a niche area and my Co-op term confirmed my careers goals to continue to work in this field

Jackie Pichette
CIDA Strategic Policy and Performance Branch-Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability Division

"My co-op experience with the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) exceeded my expectations and re-affirmed my desire to work in policy. It also moved me to enroll in classes that I know will challenge me and expand my skill set. For me, this means stepping out of my comfort zone and further honing my abilities in statistics and economics, which I used so often during my work term with CIDA."

Farnaz Rameshini
Public Works and Government Services - Public Private Partnerships Development and Advisory Services, Real Property Branch

I definitely felt that the P3 National Centre of Expertise group was one that fostered advancement in procurement methods and encouraged innovation.  It sparked my interest in policy related to commerce and real estate.

Afifa Shahrin
Dhaka Slum Health Project

Working on this research project helped me to develop my research skills and to identify the topic for my capstone.  Conducting field research with of a group of women who have a number of social and economic obstacles in their lives and communicating with different stakeholders, researchers and policy makers helped me to learn the problems and obstacles of implementing policies in the context of a developing country.

Kat Sorfleet
Canadian Mental Health Association BC/Yukon Region-Connecting the Dots Project

I worked on a variety of local research and communication projects related to mental health and addictions, and gained a solid understanding of community-led initiatives throughout Canada and the USA.

Manjit Tumber
Human Resources and Skills Development-Canada Pension Plan Disability-Policy and Strategic Direction

With the completion of this Co-op term, there is a lot to move forward with. I can now think about course topics through the prism of working in the public service. I am positive that work experience and connections will prove beneficial for future position

Patrick Wruck
Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development-Northern Affairs Organizatio

My work as a Research Officer has given me a very good understanding of resource management, environmental assessment and consultation in the NWT.


2010 Co-op Testimonials


Ian Anderson
Theatre of a Change, Malawi
My position as a Monitoring and Evaluation intern allowed me to further my knowledge about community development, governments, interaction between NGOs and public health in Southern Africa.

Kamila Krol
College of Registered Nurses of BC
I learned a great deal about how stakeholders interact and negotiate with each other, as well as managing focus group data, managing an environmental scan and preparing an evaluation framework. Overall, I gained invaluable knowledge and experience in the health sector.

Lauren Reid
City of Vancouver, Drug Policy
This is a great co-op position ifyou are interested in policy issues related to Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. The City works with diverse partners who don't necessarily fit within the context of analysts, researchers and academics. However, one should realize the value of engaging unorthodox stakeholders in policy dialogue.

Jon Robinson
Office of the Speaker, Senate of Canada
Environmental policy is my main interest and was the focus of my work this summer. In addition to my duties as a research assistant, I also had the opportunity to attend a number of Senate chamber proceedings and committee meetings where Parliamentarians discussed the most current and important public policy issues facing Canada today.

Laura Sharpe
BC Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development
There are so many different areas in the Branch and everyone is working on interesting projects. I found that people were happy to meet and talk about their work! These meetings helped formulate my Capstone topic on immigration policy.

2009 Co-op Testimonials


  Neha Bangar
  Human Resources and Skills Development Canada – Labour Market
  Policy Directorate
  My position as a Junior Policy Analyst confirmed my interest in social
  policy issues affecting disadvantaged sections of society.





Mark Beaty
Translink
I developed a much better understanding of the Metro Vancouver region, the differences and dynamics of the various member municipalities and the challenges inherent in the relationship between the municipalities, the province and the regional authorities.

Julie Clements
City of New Westminster
I worked alongside city planners improve the way young people participate in municipal planning and decision making in the City of New Westminster. My work included research, the development of a youth engagement guide for city staff and preliminary work on a civic youth policy. My academic background in stakeholder consultations, critical analysis and political process was valuable.

  Shahdin Farsai
  Providence Health Care
  My primary project with PHC examined the tangible and intangible
  barriers that exist for Aboriginal patients in accessing proper
  healthcare in a dignified manner from the emergency unit through
  to their experience with discharge planning.



  Stephen Healey
  Environment Canada
  My work involved extensive research on theoretical, applied and
  international issues pertaining to climate change policies.  The MPP
  curriculum was very helpful in structuring my research project,
  performing the research itself and providing me with invaluable
  theoretical and practical background concerning environmental
  issues.

  Samantha Henrickson
  Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada
  This position helped me to develop the skills, office experience
  and relationships necessary for working within the Government of
  Canada.  I also found ways in which to align my own interests with
  the work of Human Resources Planning and Development as my
  personal and academic activities relate to Public Policy, Women’s
  Studies and Human Rights.

Tracy Kalaw
BC Lottery Corporation
In this role I learned how to manage qualitative and quantitative market research studies.  I also learned how to analyze and communicate the results of these studies which were later used to assist others in making sound decisions for their business units.

  Heather Millar
  Canadian Policy Research Network – Housing Internship
  This program provided me with the opportunity to design and scope
   my own research project focused on an important BC issue.  I
   developed a study to address the policy problem of “too many
   marginalized homeless youth aged 16-24 living in extremely
   vulnerable conditions in Metro Vancouver”.

Jamie Newman
International University of Business and Agriculture Technology
I feel that most of my waking time in Bangladesh was spent developing skills applicable to good policy analysis.

 
  Bob Parker
  Human Early Learning Project
  I developed a new appreciation for the importance of well-designed tax 
  policy in administering social benefits and I very much look forward to
  building upon this interest in the upcoming Social Policy course taught by
  Dr. Jon Kesselman.




 
  Fancy C. Poitras
  Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
  The project work during my term in the Assistant Deputy Minister’s
  office focused on policy issues related to three key areas: 
  Education, Social Policy and Programs and Community
  Infrastructure.

 

  
  Barbara Powidel
  Department of Canadian Heritage
  This workterm was a good opportunity to gain a hands on understanding
  of the way government functions and learn about the role and strategic
  outcomes of the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Official
  Languages Support Programs branch.

 

 

 Allison Prieur
Government Non-Profit Initiative, Vancouver Foundation
Following this co-op term, I have the confidence to work more directly with senior government officials at the provincial levels and I know this type of work appeals to me.

Agnes Rosicki
Ministry of Health Services
The Co-op term was both highly educational and enjoyable. Everything from the team to the job itself was rewarding, and gave me a sense of accomplishment that I contributed to the bigger picture.

Megan Scott
Canadian Policy Research Networks
My position with CPRN has been a valuable and relevant experience.  During the project, I collected and became familiar with a large body of literature related to Aboriginal education and education issues in general, which will support my capstone project.


  Matthew Sharp
  Canada School of Public Service

   My work group was responsible for the Canada School’s University
  Relations Strategy, which is aimed at strengthening the linkages
  between the federal public service and Canadian universities. 



 
  Bhar Sihota
  Mid-Main Community Health Centre
  I was responsible for compiling research and writing a report related 
  to specific key health indicators – chronic diseases, disease
  prevention, open access and patient satisfaction. 


David Skerik
In SHUCK ch Nation
The primary focus of my role as Governance Advisor was to investigate ways of combining in SHUCK ch Nation traditional ways and teachings with contemporary forms of governance within the constitutional framework of Canada. 

Laura Spencer
SEVA – California, USA and Guatemala
My work was multi-faceted. It involved learning about health care administration processes in the delivery of eye care services, conducting research on female patients, including key informant interviews with staff.


Shula Sutker
Treasury Board Secretariat
This experience reinforced by desire to work for the federal public
service.  I hope to return to Ottawa after graduation and my
co-op position with TBS has made that goal much more achievable.

 

Heather Todd
City of Lemoore, California
My exposure to various policy issues and collective policy formulation was an eye-opening experience.  My policy knowledge was strengthened by the constant exposure to new policy issues involving the city and its surrounding community.

 

Burke VanDrimmelen
Ministry of Community and Rural Development
This position has instilled in me a greater appreciation for the provincial process in its entirety.  I gained valuable connections through networking functions that I will pursue over the next year and throughout my career.