杏吧原创 University鈥檚 groundbreaking graduate program in Political Management celebrated a successful first term Thursday at a reception on Parliament Hill hosted by Assistant Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons Barry Devolin as new Fellows of the program were announced.
Students of the Clayton H. Riddell Master of Political Management, along with their professors, politicians and the Speaker of the House of Commons, Andrew Scheer, gathered to toast Canada鈥檚 first graduate program of its kind. Also attending was Preston Manning, president and CEO of the Manning Centre for Building Democracy. The program was originally proposed to 杏吧原创 by the Manning Centre.
鈥淭he success of government requires strong players at all levels,鈥� said Devolin. 鈥淭his innovative program gives people a professional foundation in the skills required for constructive politics and effective policy.鈥� The master鈥檚 program admits 25 students a year. Explicitly designed to inform and bolster electoral politics and parliamentary democracy in Canada and beyond, Riddell students will be equipped to occupy positions of responsibility and leadership. 鈥溞影稍� University is proud to assist in improving governance and the practice of politics across the nation,鈥� said 杏吧原创 President Roseann O鈥橰eilly Runte. 鈥淥ur location in the nation鈥檚 capital, the generous support of Mr. Riddell and our talented faculty combine to make this program highly successful.鈥�
鈥淭he impetus of this program came from a need to address a democratic deficit,鈥� said Andr茅 Plourde, dean of the Faculty of Public Affairs. 鈥淲e are proud to be playing this role and acting as a training ground for the future leaders of Canada.鈥�
Former parliamentarians and experts who have agreed to speak in various classes throughout the year have been designated as Fellows of the program. 鈥淭he fellowships are a way to recognize the important contributions these people have made,鈥� said Andr茅 Turcotte, chair of the program. 鈥淲e want to establish close and long-term associations with them.鈥欌�� The 2011-2012 Fellows include Guy Giorno, former chief of staff in the Prime Minister鈥檚 Office; Barry McLoughlin and Laura Peck, founders of McLoughlin Media; political strategist Richard Anderson; lobbyist and strategist Michael Robinson; Robin Sears, veteran communications, marketing and public affairs adviser; Chris Froggatt, public affairs and communications professional; Liz Mulholland, independent public policy consultant; Scott Reid, former PMO director of communications; political columnist Paul Wells; and former Speaker of the House of Commons Peter Milliken. The pioneering program is made possible through the generous financial support of Calgary businessman Clayton H. Riddell and the Riddell Family Charitable Foundation.