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Speaking to The Honourable Greg Fergus, P.C., Member of Parliament for Hull-Aylmer, about What Really Makes Our Political Institutions Work?  Canada’s democratic institutions are not immune from some of the same challenges and risks of “democratic backsliding” seen in other countries. Join us for conversation, informed by leadership experience, on what it takes to keep our democratic institutions healthy in Canada.

Greg Fergus Official Portrait/ Portrait officiel in Ottawa, ONTARIO, Canada on November 26, 2021.
© HOC-CDC
Credit: Bernard Thibodeau, House of Commons Photo Services

Mr. Fergus has been serving the people of Hull–Aylmer in Parliament since October 2015. Since his election as a Member, he served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, to the Minister of Digital Government, and to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. He co-founded and co-chaired the Parliamentary Black Caucus for six years.

On October 3, 2023, Members of the House of Commons elected the Honourable Greg Fergus as Speaker of the House of Commons. At the time of his election as Speaker, he was the Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and to the Minister of Health. He served as Speaker of the House of Commons until May 26, 2025.

Mr. Fergus holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences from the University of Ottawa, and a Bachelor of International Relations from ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University. He has also undertaken graduate studies in international relations. During his time as a student, he served as a House of Commons page, part of the 1988–1989 cohort.

He and his wife are the proud parents of three adult children and the doting grandparents to two grandchildren.

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Join us for an engaging Q&A session with, one of Canada’s most respected pollsters, political advisors, and media personalities.

Discover the origins of his career, from his early days using ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University’s mainframe for polling, through advising political leaders Joe Clark and Brian Mulroney, to pioneering the commercial and media side of public opinion research. Explore his reflections on how polling evolved from an elite tool to a widely used commodity, and hear his insights on the future of polling amid big data and social media analytics. This event promises a rare opportunity to learn firsthand from Gregg’s decades of experience across more than 50 election campaigns, strategic communications, and his unique perspective on Canadian politics and leadership. Do not miss this chance to gain invaluable lessons from a pioneer in the field.

Register now for this thought-provoking conversation!

New MPM students are invited to join us for an exciting in-person orientation as we kick off the academic year for the Master of Political Management students!

This engaging afternoon will give new students the opportunity to:

• Learn about program expectations,
• Identify key points of contacts,
• Important dates and deadlines,
• Connect with fellow cohort members, and
• Meet the faculty and staff who will support them throughout their academic journey

The day will conclude with a special evening reception to welcome everyone from the Political Management community.

We are excited to announce a fundraising sale of MPM sweaters (available in hoodie and quarter-zip styles)! Proceeds will go towards the MPM Program and Activities Fund, which helps support events such as the Riddell Reception and other student, alumni, and community gatherings.

Key Details:

• Pre-order deadline: March 20, 2025
• Styles available:
  • Quarter-zips: Logo embroidered on the upper left chest
  • Hoodies: Logo displayed across the chest
• Order fulfillment: Pick-up on campus in April – further details to be provided after the Riddell Reception

How to Order:
To place your pre-order, please complete the form by March 20^th, 2025:
This is a great opportunity to show your MPM pride while supporting the program and its events. We appreciate your support!

ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Emily Grant
Emily is currently working as an Advance on the Tour team in the Office of the Prime Minister, a role she took on following her start at PMO as Special Assistant, Operations and Outreach. Previously, Emily held roles as Special Assistant to the Minister and Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff and Senior Special Assistant and Ontario Regional Advisor to the Minister of Natural Resources. Emily has also worked on the Governor-in-Council appointment file with the Privy Council Office. After four years of experience in the public service, Emily gained valuable insight into how political ideas are implemented into policy and is expanding on her experience in her current position.
Emily has a Master of Political Management degree from ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University. Prior to the Political Management program, Emily was in the first graduating class of ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´â€™s Bachelor of Global and International Studies program, specializing in Global Politics. Emily spent her undergraduate degree active in student academic advocacy, campaigning for a more equitable learning environment for all students.

What Does a Better Canada Look Like?

Canada is at a critical juncture. Confidence in our system of government is eroding, and recent political turmoil has only deepened the cracks. Many Canadians feel disconnected from decision-making processes, distrustful of institutions, and uncertain about the future. These challenges demand urgent attention, but they also present an opportunity to reimagine what a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable Canada could look like.

The is committed to this vision. As a Canadian organization, the Coalition works to promote sustainable economic growth, foster social progress, and champion environmental stewardship. By bringing together a diverse array of voices—business leaders, labor groups, community organizations, policymakers, and advocates—it strives to build a future that ensures long-term prosperity, equity, and resilience for all Canadians.

Through thoughtful dialogue and collective action, the Coalition for a Better Future is convening Canadians to ask hard questions and develop practical solutions. By engaging diverse stakeholders, we aim to turn discontent into determination and division into unity.

Meet Our Guest Speakers:

The Honourable A. Anne McLellan
Co-chair, Coalition for a Better Future

The Honourable Lisa Raitt
Co-chair, Coalition for a Better Future
Vice-Chair Global Investment Banking, CIBC Capital Markets

Moderated by MPM Program Director, André Turcotte

The discussion will feature:

• Why is working across party lines so challenging in today’s political climate? What are the root causes of political polarization, and how do they affect collaboration?
• What solutions exist to bridge the divide between parties?
• Can we draw lessons from other countries’ experiences in overcoming political gridlock?
• Why should young people get involved in the political process, and how can they contribute to shaping long-term, sustainable policies? What unique perspectives can the younger generation bring to the table, and what practical ways can they influence policy?
• How can we encourage a culture of collaboration rather than confrontation in politics?
• What are the risks if we fail to work across party lines for long-term policy development?
• In the context of sustainability and climate change, how important is cross-party collaboration?
• Are there specific policy areas where cooperation is essential for achieving long-term sustainability goals?

Presented by Shell Canada

Discover the data that shapes these pivotal conversations and gain insights that could influence your understanding of current political trends. Don’t miss out on this chance to engage with an expert in the field and expand your perspective on the political climate.

ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ Chris M. Rougier
For over twenty years I’ve been working with all levels of government across Canada and internationally to launch campaigns, mobilize communities, collect voter contact details and manage data. An expert in crafting cause-driven stories and developing community-lead marketing strategies, let’s work together to achieve results with only the tools you need to blaze your trail. Prior to joining MPH Agency, I worked with and campaigned at all levels of government, both in Canada and internationally. I worked for the Conservative Party of Canada from 2005 to 2012 and the Ontario PC Party from 2012 to 2014. During that time, I was involved in over 60 municipal and provincial election campaigns across Canada. Most notably I sat as Target Seat Team Director for Prime Minister Stephen Harper in the 2011 Federal Election. I have also worked on elections in Australia and the UK, and worked on the 2012 Florida Primary and played a key role on the Presidential National Support Team. In 2017, I was National Campaign Manager for the highly-publicized and groundbreaking Kevin O’Leary Leadership Campaign and in 2022 I was National Campaign Manager for Jean Charest’s leadership bid for the Conservative Party of Canada.

â—Ź Graduate of ĐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ University (2012) – BA (Honours) Major in Political Science with a concentration in Canadian Politics, Minor in History.
â—Ź Participated in over 75 Elections on 3 continents at every level of government
â—Ź Born and raised in the Upper Ottawa Valley and still trying to find his way back home.
â—Ź Die-hard, first generation Ottawa Senators fan
● Practitioner, Certified Coach, and massive fan of Canada’s greatest game, curling