The OLIP interns greatly enjoyed the pleasure of meeting with our Partner, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), and speaking with Isaac Werner, Senior Advisor of Government Relations.    Over the course of our conversation, we discussed the foundations of NWMO, a non-profit organization that originated in 2002 under the mandate of managing Canada’s intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste in a sustainable manner. For over 20 years, NWMO has worked to create

Last Friday, the OLIP interns had the opportunity to meet with Anne Lavoie, Directrice générale et secrétaire-trésorière, and Emile Maheu, cadre – relations gouvernementales et communautaires, from our Partner, the Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO).     Over the course of our discussion, we discussed the association’s origins in 1939, where it established itself as a union that brought together various professions in French-speaking Ontar

This past week, the interns were delighted to meet with Gordon Cameron, Executive Director of the Ontario Community Newspaper Association (OCNA), an esteemed Partner of OLIP.   Founded in 1950 and based in Toronto, the OCNA operates as a non-profit establishment with over 200 members located across the province. Over the course of our conversation, Gordon led us through an industry profile of community newspapers, including circulation systems, market sizes and distribution p

The interns were deeply appreciative for the opportunity to meet with our esteemed partner, the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA). We had the privilege of learning from the insights of Vice President of Policy, Sarah Hobbs; Director of Policy, Stephanie Wong; Senior Policy Analyst, Andrea Mayer; and Assistant‑Vice President, Risk and OLIP alumna, Beth Elder.   The Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association is a not‑for‑profit, membership‑based organiz

The OLIP interns greatly enjoyed meeting with Howard Brown, President of Brown & Cohen Communications and Public Affairs, and Kayla Mouzos, Account Manager. We deeply appreciated the opportunity to host a session with a long-standing partner of our programme and to learn more about the esteemed organization, Brown & Cohen Communications & Public Affairs Inc.   Brown & Cohen is a Toronto-based full-service public relations and government relations firm that supports organizati

Hosted in the northwest wing of Queen's Park, the OLIP interns enjoyed the privilege of meeting with the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.    Upon settling in the drawing room, our conversation explored the constitutional and community-oriented dimensions of the Lieutenant Governor’s role, as well as the processes and responsibilities associated with serving as the King’s representative in Ontario. It was particularly meaningful to discuss how her exten

The OLIP interns had the wonderful opportunity to meet with Kristen Neagle, Director of Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships at Achēv. Achēv is a leading not-for-profit organization that delivers employment, newcomer settlement, language, youth, and women’s programs across Ontario. Through its wide range of services, Achēv supports individuals in achieving their career and integration goals while helping employers build strong, inclusive workforces.  During our mee

The OLIP interns had the privilege of meeting with John Parker and Tom Robertson of the Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy. The Churchill Society is a non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and strengthening Canada’s parliamentary democracy through education, dialogue, and public engagement. Drawing inspiration from the legacy of Sir Winston Churchill, the Society works to foster a deeper understanding of responsible govern

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

During our Ottawa Study Tour, the interns enjoyed a tour of the Supreme Court of Canada, where we learned more about the history, role, and inner workings of Canada’s highest court.  As we stepped into the grand building overlooking the Ottawa River, we were welcomed by a Supreme Court guide, who walked us through the institution’s rich history. Although the Court was established in 1875, it did not become the final court of appeal until 1949, meaning Canadians could still ap

As we stepped into November, the interns had the distinct privilege of meeting The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario! Premier Ford welcomed us into his office and generously took the time to speak with us about his path into politics, the major issues facing Ontario today, and the many questions we brought with us. Our discussion touched on the province’s economic outlook, the principles that guide his work as Premier, and his priorities for the Ontario Progressive Con

In early October, the OLIP interns had the distinct honour of meeting the Right Honourable David Peterson, the 20th Premier of Ontario who served from 1985 to 1990. During our conversation, Mr. Peterson walked us through his career journey, sharing thoughtful insights about the experiences that shaped his path to becoming Premier. His story began in sales, followed by the founding of a wholesale electronics business, his election to London City Council, and eventually his ent