Public Policy Leadership Program

The Public Policy Leadership Program (PPLP) helps policy professionals expand their capacity to navigate the complexities of government policy development and provide breakthrough policy responses using team leadership, engagement and collaboration. This one-of-a-kind program addresses an identified gap in learning opportunities for the policy community with a unique cross-disciplinary approach that integrates personal leadership development with an advanced and applied exploration of domestic and global policy issues. Invited public policy leaders, PPF staff and Fellows and Telfer faculty will bridge theory and practice, providing practical options to follow in advancing current challenges.

Throughout the program you will have opportunities to collaborate and share learnings and challenges with other participants. As a result, graduates of this program form a strong network of policy leaders that can address the complex issues facing modern governments.

We encourage you to download the prospectus for full program details. 

Public policy professionals in supervisory or management roles (EX minus 1 & EX-1 or equivalent) who are mid-career and looking to grow and refine your leadership skills to step up to the next level of your career path. You are intending to deepen your understanding of how to lead groups and teams in a complex public policy environment, while navigating the policy development process.

We welcome participants from all levels of government: federal, provincial and municipal.

The Public Policy Leadership Program is designed to specifically address the needs and questions of current and emerging public policy leaders. Our team is focused on working with you to explore following themes:

• Policy Futures: Taking a strategic look at emergent policy issues in the ever-changing context of government goals, advancements in technology, communications and engagement with the public.
• Crafting Policy in the Face of Complexity: Navigating different types of policy development, and developing judgment and resilience.
• Stakeholder Relationships: Knowing when, how and why to engage stakeholders, and exploring the spectrum of engagement possibilities — from consultation to collaboration — and effective leadership in the context of complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Personal Leadership Effectiveness: Identifying strengths and improving skills central to policy leadership, including communication, working with Ministers and their teams, and advancing the policy agenda through effective coordination of departmental, interdepartmental and cross-functional teams.
• Emotional Intelligence: Developing a stronger understanding of who you are as a leader, your leadership styles and strengths, and engaging in a process of self-reflection and personal growth.

The program is a hybrid of in-person and virtual modules. For additional details visit Telfer School of Management. The next edition will run on the following dates: 

• Orientation: October 12 (virtual) 
• Module 1: October 24, 25, 26 (in person in Ottawa) 
• Module 2: November 20, 21, 22 (in person in Ottawa) 
• Module 3: December 7, 8 and December 13, 14 (virtual, half days) 

Register now

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• evaluate and debate emergent policy issues.
• navigate complex policy development using sound judgment, tools, and resilience.
• articulate when, how, and why to engage stakeholders.
• develop and demonstrate their leadership skills in communication, collaboration, and coordination.
• reflect on and develop their leadership self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

“I had an absolutely amazing experience with the PPLP. In fact, this was one of the best, if not THE best, program in which I have had the pleasure to participate.”
-Fatima Araji, Acting Director of the Compliance, Policy, and Issues Management Division within the Administration Directorate, Finance and Administration Branch (Canada Revenue Agency)

“It is a privilege to be part of this program. I really enjoyed the presentations/speeches of the guest speakers and the group discussions. I particularly appreciate the organization of The Bright Spot field visit. It simulated more thoughtful considerations when developing complex social policies. I would strongly recommend this program to individuals who are inspired to become an influential public policy leader.”
-Eliza (Quan) Wu, Canada Border Services Agency

“The Public Policy Leadership Program was a rewarding experience which helped me develop my emotional intelligence and leadership skills. I was inspired by speakers and my colleagues to become a better leader by cultivating: kindness & empathy, resilience & trust, and  co-creation & empowerment by bringing people to the center.”
-Andy Kim, Manager of the Tax Gap Section, Research and Innovation Lab, CRA

“The Public Policy Leadership Program takes a practical approach to developing policy leadership in participants. It offers the opportunity to practice certain skills that can be difficult to practice in the daily work environment, like open-ended questions and stakeholder interviews. The Bright Spot was my favourite part of the program, as we had the opportunity to dig into a current policy issue unrelated to our own work, which left us unencumbered by preconceptions, and made it ok to have frank and open conversations with people with first-hand and varied experiences. This practical approach fills a gap I experienced in other leadership programs. The opportunity to build a peer coaching group is also a novel and welcome idea.”
-Caitlin O’Boyle, Manager, Marine Liability and Compensation, Transport Canada

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