The OLIP interns were grateful for the opportunity to meet with Gord Westmacott, an accomplished OLIP alumnus whose career has been rooted in journalism and public storytelling. Following his time in OLIP, Gord pursued a career in journalism, beginning at Studio 2 on TVO before moving to CounterSpin at CBC News Network. He later joined CBC Radio, where he worked on As It Happens and The Current . For the past ten years, Gord has served as Senior Producer on Day 6 , where h

In mid-January, the OLIP interns had the pleasure of meeting with Marit Stiles, Leader of the Ontario New Democratic Party and MPP for Davenport, for an engaging discussion on leadership, representation, and political engagement.  MPP Stiles reflected on her upbringing and educational path, including her time in St. John’s, and shared how growing up outside of Toronto shaped her understanding of how decisions at Queen’s Park do not always reflect the realities of communities

The OLIP interns were honoured to meet with MPP Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario and MPP for Guelph. At the outset of our discussion, MPP Schreiner shared how he began his career in the organic food sector, where he worked to promote sustainable food and farming. He reflected on his path into politics and his journey to becoming leader of the Green Party, describing his political work as an ongoing effort to build sustainable, long-term change through coll

The OLIP interns appreciated the opportunity to meet with Jill Zelmanovits, an accomplished OLIP alumna whose career spans law, non-profit leadership, and global humanitarian work. During our meeting, we were grateful to discuss Jill’s impressive career trajectory, where she offered valuable insights on navigating strategic, legal, and governance-focused roles.   Following OLIP, Jill began her professional journey by pursuing law, practicing at Fasken Martineau and later at L

As our final meeting of the Ottawa Study Tour, the OLIP interns had the honour of meeting with MP Yves-François Blanchet, Leader of the Bloc Québécois.    Formerly a teacher and columnist for Le Nouvelliste,  MP Blanchet rose to a political career in 2008, most recently securing leadership in 2025 for the third-largest party in Parliament. Our conversation offered a nuanced glimpse into Québec’s politics on a federal platform. We discussed the balance between environmental an

During our Study Tour in Ottawa, a notably unique experience the interns enjoyed was visiting the U.K. High Commission. We were honoured to have the opportunity to explore the new establishment on Sussex Drive, comprising a state-of-the-art building within the Earnscliffe National Historic Site.    Following a brief tour of the building, the interns had the opportunity to meet with Deputy High Commissioner, David Prodger; and Diplomats, Giorgia Racis, Cameron Ballester, and D

During our Ottawa Study Tour, the interns had the wonderful opportunity to tour the Senate of Canada, where we explored the historical foundations, function, and ceremonial traditions of one of Canada’s most significant democratic institutions.  As we entered the beautifully restored building, once Ottawa’s iconic train station, we were greeted by a Senate guide who introduced us to the chamber’s unique architectural blend of heritage and modern design. We learned about the s

This November, the OLIP interns had the privilege of meeting with Peter Rekai, an alumnus from the very first OLIP cohort of 1976–1977, and has since enjoyed an extensive and interesting career defined by service to newcomers and care for his community.  Peter holds a BA from Trinity College, and after completing OLIP, graduated from Queen’s Law School in 1980 before articling at a large downtown Toronto law firm. His early career reunited him with Queen’s Park, where he spen

During our study tour in Ottawa, the interns were delighted to meet with Gabriela Loredana Alexandru, Head of Political Affairs Section, Delegation of the European Union to Canada.  With the capital city horizon behind us, the EU hosted us at a roundtable of member states. It was an opportunity to discuss Canada-EU relations at their heart, as well as raise our own interests as they related to international relations, trade policy, and other political areas. Over the course o