Program Director, Daniel Henstra; Dean of Arts, Douglas Peers; Trevor Anderson; Carleigh Jackson; Erin Dessau; Jordan Hughes; and the Honourable John Milloy
On Thursday, April 2, the Master of Public Service (MPS) program hosted its fourth annual MPS Dinner and Talk at the University Club. Students and faculty of the program were joined by special guest speaker, the Honourable John Milloy, who called MPS an “outstanding and impressive program” with students who have “a lot to celebrate”.
In his talk, Milloy, who has been both a public servant and a politician, shared valuable lessons to help prepare MPS students for their work in the public service and for their future encounters with politicians. “I guarantee you will encounter politicians. Most of them are honest, sincere, and want to make a difference. Some of them are also very frustrating.”
Milloy discussed the interrelationship between politicians, public servants and the public, a theme that runs through many of the MPS courses. “Politicians want to please the people who elected them.” Just as quickly though, Milloy explained, politicians can be accused of not listening to those people. “Governments need a central coordinating function and that’s where you come in.”
MPS students will also face challenges in their work. “You might come up with a policy or program that is out of the ordinary, innovative and courageous. Don’t take it personal if your politician doesn’t approve,” he advised. Then he went on to explain that politicians are faced with the media, Opposition, constituents and the general public trying to tear them down, and public servants can often forget to put themselves in the shoes of the politician. “A politician has to have priorities. Critics don’t.”
Recounting his own experience of sitting on multiple committees and having to be in two places at once, Milloy noted that it is the public servant who makes up for a politician’s lack of preparation, time and expertise on a topic. “Look at the world from the perspective of the men and women you will find yourself serving. Be creative, honest and entrepreneurial.”
John Milloy perfectly captured the sentiments of the night with a clear message to MPS students, “Be proud of your career choice and understand the contributions you will make directly and indirectly.”
Carleigh Jackson, MPSA President, felt the talk really resonated with the class, especially as each student prepares for their upcoming co-op work term. She said, “John Milloy offered a motivating and thought provoking look into the public service careers that lie ahead for the MPS class of 2016 by detailing both the rewards and challenges faced by politicians and the public servants working by their side. This engaging speech offered new perspectives to the inner workings of government and words of wisdom as we begin our careers as public servants. The evening was an enjoyable celebration and John Milloy’s insightful talk was greatly appreciated by all.”
Check out the evening’s photos on the MPS Facebook page.
-Written by Jessica Wu