Last week, alumni, faculty, fellows, and invited guests gathered to welcome the newest Master of Political Management cohort at our orientation and reception. The evening featured warm welcomes, introductions across the MPM community, and plenty of time for networking as new students connected with those who have walked the path before them.

It was an inspiring start to the year and a reminder of the strong, supportive network that defines the MPM experience.

The post Welcoming the 2026-2027 MPM Cohort appeared first on Political Management.

In this thoughtful op-ed, MPM 2019 alumnus, Benjamin Lamb, examines how immigration can and should support Canada’s long-term growth, while also making the case that it cannot be treated as a substitute for investing in domestic talent, skills development, and workforce participation. The piece encourages a more balanced approach to labour market challenges, one that values strategic immigration while asking harder questions about youth employment, temporary labour, and how to build a stronger, more self-sustaining economy. A timely and engaging read for anyone interested in public policy, labour markets, and Canada’s future.

Read the full article on

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As noted in his appointment to the Order of Canada, “Edward Goldenberg is deeply committed to the public good.” That remained his north star throughout his long career. 

For decades, Eddie served as a trusted political advisor, working closely with the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, Canada’s 20^th Prime Minister. He started as an intern in 1972. By 1980, he was a Special Constitutional Advisor, working on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms alongside M. Chrétien who was then Minister of Justice. 

He later recruited key members of M. Chrétien’s leadership team, helping to lay the groundwork, through methodical organizing and policy work, for the 1993 change of federal government. But rather than cashing in on his connections, Eddie stayed inside, serving as the Prime Minister’s closest advisor and later Chief of Staff. He was in all the key rooms, at the key tables, for all of the Chrétien government’s key decisions, whether major changes to fiscal policy, new trade agreements, tax policy, national unity, climate change, and even whether to go to war. 

Trained as a lawyer, Eddie continued to be sought as an advisor after leaving the PMO, working in a series of law firms and consultancies where his skill, incisiveness, and unmatched institutional knowledge were prized. 

He shared some of his first-hand observations in his book , which was a finalist for the Shaughnessy Cohen Award for Political Writing (and frequently assigned reading in MPM courses). It was an all-to-rare account from the most senior political backrooms of the practice of political management in Canada. His advice to new staffers in PMO – to always remember that they are representatives of the political boss they work for – remains a mantra to those hoping to succeed in politics today. 

Eddie’s generosity, his savvy, his love of fishing, and his smile will long be remembered by those who knew him. He passed away in Ottawa, after a battle with cancer. 

The faculty, staff and all members of the MPM community extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Caroline and his other family members. May his memory be a blessing.

The post Remembering a Dedicated Servant of Canada: Eddie Goldenberg appeared first on Political Management.

The Clayton H. Riddell Graduate Program in Political Management proudly celebrated the most recent class of graduates at its annual Pinning Ceremony, held in conjunction with Spring Convocation. Hosted by Karim Bardeesy, MP for Taiaiako’n—Parkdale—High Park, the evening brought together graduates, faculty, family, and distinguished guests for a memorable reception near Parliament Hill.

A longstanding MPM tradition, the ceremony recognizes graduating students with the presentation of a silver Riddell MPM pin, symbolizing their connection to the program and entry into its growing alumni community. The evening featured remarks from Program Director Jennifer Robson, a formal pinning presentation led by MPM alumnus Rob Leforte, and opportunities to connect with the broader MPM community, highlighting the achievements of a cohort poised to make their mark in politics and public affairs.

The event continues to be a cornerstone of the MPM experience, fostering community, celebrating accomplishment, and strengthening connections between current students and alumni.

The post Celebrating our MPM Graduates appeared first on Political Management.

As a national leader in management consulting, communications, and public affairs, StrategyCorp helps organizations succeed where business, government, and the public intersect. Known for their strategic insight and results-driven approach, StrategyCorp’s consultants advise clients on navigating complex policy environments, achieving organizational objectives, and managing public perception. Their multidisciplinary team blends expertise in policy analysis, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement to deliver innovative, actionable solutions for the most pressing challenges.

 The Master of Political Management (MPM) Program at �Ӱ�ԭ�� University prepares graduate students for impactful careers in politics, advocacy, and public affairs through experiential learning and applied practice. StrategyCorp has been an active Practicum Placement partner, offering MPM students the opportunity to work alongside experienced consultants on real-world projects that demand analytical thinking, creativity, and strategic communication skills.  

The MPM Program is proud to see its alumni thriving at employers like StrategyCorp, a testament to the shared commitment to excellence, leadership, and innovation. The partnership between StrategyCorp and the MPM Program demonstrates how strong academic foundations paired with professional practice can have a positive influence on Canada’s political landscape.

The post Empowering Future Leaders: StrategyCorp’s Ongoing Partnership with �Ӱ�ԭ��’s MPM Program appeared first on Political Management.

As one of Canada’s most respected government relations and public affairs firms,  has a proven track record of helping their clients solve complex business, communications, and public policy problems. With expertise in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy strategy, PAA provides a full suite of services that help clients navigate complex political landscapes with clarity and effectiveness. Fully bilingual, operating in offices across Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada, PAA has built an environment where colleagues and clients come together to create lasting relationships and achieve some of the most rewarding successes of their careers.

 The Master of Political Management (MPM) Program at �Ӱ�ԭ�� University emphasizes experiential learning for graduate students preparing for careers in politics, public affairs, and government relations. Through practicum placements, students apply classroom learning to real-world challenges while gaining mentorship from seasoned professionals. PAA continues to be a valued Practicum Placement partner, providing MPM students with opportunities to contribute meaningfully to client projects and experience the fast-paced environment of public affairs consulting.

 The MPM Program is proud of its growing alumni network at PAA, reflecting the firm’s reputation for excellence and commitment to developing Canada’s next generation of political management professionals. The partnership between PAA and the MPM Program is exemplary of the importance of professional training and practice. It’s partnerships like this that are leading the way in Canada’s public affairs landscape.

The post From Practicum to Profession: The Impact of PAA and the MPM Program appeared first on Political Management.

As a leading government relations and strategic communications firm in Canada, helps organizations navigate complex public policy landscapes with confidence. Global provides strategic counsel on policy analysis, regulatory frameworks, and funding priorities to identify opportunities that advance clients’ goals. Their approach combines evidence-based insights with tailored communications strategies that align with organizational objectives and deliver measurable impact through the right tools, tactics, timelines, and channels.

The Master of Political Management (MPM) Program emphasizes experiential learning for graduate students pursuing careers in politics, public affairs, and government relations. Students gain the skills and knowledge they need to develop and deliver successful strategies and sound advice. Since the Program’s start in 2011, Global has been a sought-after Practicum Placement destination for MPM students, offering real-world experience, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities.

The MPM Program is proud of the strong cohort of alumni at Global, reflecting the program’s track record in training and the firm’s commitment to fostering the next generation of political management professionals. The partnership between Global and the MPM Program exemplifies the powerful connection between academic training, innovation, and professional practice. It’s partnerships like this that are leading the way in Canada’s public affairs landscape.

The post Global Public Affairs and the MPM Program: Building Bridges Between Academic Training and Industry Practice appeared first on Political Management.

Lots of political staffers think about it, but what is it really like to move from being the advisor/aide to being the candidate for office?

The MPM Program was delighted to host this conversation with a multi-partisan panel featuring Karim Bardeesy, M.P. (Taiaiako’n—Parkdale—High Park), the Hon. Jennifer Howard (previously Minister of Finance in Manitoba), and Melissa Lantsman, M.P. (Thornhill), in conversation with moderator Garry Keller (StrategyCorp, 2025 federal candidate for Nipissing-Timiskaming).

The panel was the centrepiece of the 2026 Riddell Reception, a regular event in the MPM calendar organized by MPM students.  View the event .

This year’s Reception welcomed more than 200 members of the MPM community for a lively discussion that was later featured in .

The Program is grateful to sponsors for making this event possible.

Interested in upcoming MPM events or sponsorship opportunities with the Riddell Program? Contact us at mpm@carleton.ca to learn how you can get involved.

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The Master of Political Management program is delighted to congratulate Venus Ramos, one of our outstanding graduate students, on receiving two graduate awards in recognition of her dedication, academic excellence, and exceptional performance in the program.

Venus is the recipient of the J. Carlisle Hanson Award* and the Dr. Thomas Betz Award**. We are proud to celebrate her success and the hard work that continues to make our MPM community shine.

*Awarded annually, by the Dean of the Faculty of Graduate and Postdcotoral Affairs, on the recommendation of the graduate supervisor of the Clayton H. Riddell Graduate Program in Political Management, the J. Carlisle Hanson award is to recognize an outstanding graduate student enrolled in courses related to Political Management and Media. The award was endowed in 2010 by J. Carlisle Hanson, Q.C.

**Established in 1990 by family, friends, and colleagues in memory of Dr. Thomas Betz, this award is open to undergraduate and graduate students, and is awarded annually, on the basis of scholarly promise and potential for intellectual leadership. 

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MPM Professor and former Trudeau speechwriter, Jeni Armstrong, shares her expert insights on Mark Carney’s recent address in Davos on As It Happens. With her unique background in political communication and policy, Armstrong offers a compelling breakdown of Carney’s message, its global implications, and what it means for Canada’s political and economic landscape.

Don’t miss Professor Armstrong on
(conversation begins at 1:39)

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