Current position: Manager (Policy & Government Relations), The Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO)
Co-op experience: Assistant Environmental Officer, Environmental Service Directorate, Public Works and Government Services Canada; Policy Assistant, Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Academic background: History & Political Science (York University), Bachelor of Education (University of Toronto)
Alana is the author of the blog From Eh to Z(ed): A Guide to Canadian Government and Politics. Read on for her experience in the MPS program.
Coursework
Without an academic background in economics, I found the government finance classes to be extremely helpful to understanding basic economic theory and its impact on policy. Learning to use tools like cost-benefit analyses was helpful. The project management course also provided a great overview of project management principles and techniques.
Co-op
I completed a co-op placement with the Environmental Services Directorate in PWGSC. I engaged in research preparation and disseminating client-orientated materials, developed resources for programs preparation and supported the Director’s Office with quality management system and office environmental sustainability initiatives. My second term was with the Planning, Environment, Resource and Land Secretariat with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Ontario. I developed business process resources for stakeholder use and implemented a platform for building business performance and communicating unit strategic and operational direction. I was awarded a contract position with this ministry.
Major team project
My major team project explored the potential impacts of International Medical Graduates on the physician shortage in Ontario. We utilized knowledge and skills developed through the MPS program and applied them to our project. This experience served as a model for the work done in the public service: working under tight deadlines, interacting and handling situations with colleagues among other things. It was a positive experience.