Co-op
position: Master-Level
Policy
Analyst,
Strategic
Policy,
Research,
and
Innovation
Division,
Ministry
of
the
Solicitor
General
Academic
background:
Political
Science
and
Public
Law,
University
of
Toronto
Why did you choose Waterloo’s MPS program?
I chose the MPS program because of its combination of a rich variety of courses, renowned professors, and its co-operative education program. The MPS program prepares students with the necessary tools and experiences needed to be successful within the public service. Prior to applying, I was fortunate enough to hear from several MPS alumni who spoke very highly of the program. What I learned was that the MPS program is unlike any other in Ontario. While most public policy/public administration programs are focused on heavily on theory, the Master of Public Service program looks to provide students with the diverse and essential skills needed to excel in the public service, such as communication, analytical, teamwork, policy development skills, and much more.
Tell us about your current co-op position?
As a Master-Level Policy Co-op Student for the Strategic Policy, Research and Innovation Division (SPRID), I had the pleasure of supporting evidence-based policy development relating to the Ministry of the Solicitor General and the government’s priorities. Through my role, I have attended briefings, conducted extensive policy research, and facilitated meetings with external stakeholders. Working under the Corrections Policy Unit, I reviewed Ontario’s legislations, regulations, and policies that related to correctional institutions in Ontario so that our institutions remain safe and secure for staff, visitors, and people in custody, while ensuring that individuals are treated with sensitivity and dignity.
How did the MPS program, including your co-op experiences prepare you for a career?
The MPS program gave me the building blocks I needed to excel in the public service. The presentations, assignments, and courses I worked on within the MPS all directly related to the similar documents, slide decks, and presentations I had the pleasure of working on during my co-op terms. The MPS program also prepares you to understand the different levels of government, how the political and civil servant side interacts, and how policy, bills, and legislation are created within government. Finally, working with a diverse set of students from different backgrounds and academic experiences in the program helped prepare me to work collaboratively and successfully during my co-op term. These skills will be extremely useful as I continue to excel in my career. The lessons and skills I learned within the MPS program, along with the valuable work experiences gained through my co-op term have prepared me to continue to grow within the public service.
What are your favourite MPS moments?
Without a doubt, my favourite MPS moments are all those long days and late nights studying or working on assignments in the MPS space with my colleagues. I remember how stressful and difficult those times were, but having such amazing friends, all working together to ensure we all succeed was heart-warming. The MPS space really became a second home for many of us. Looking back, I miss those times, laughing, bonding, and working together with my cohort and essentially building life-long friendships.
What has been your most interesting experience working in the public service?
My most interesting experience working in the public service was working with my team to review regulations under the Ministry Correctional of Services Act to propose changes to modernize certain frameworks. Under the Corrections Policy Unit, I had a chance to conduct research, such as jurisdictional scans, to support my team as we proposed an updated regulatory framework for strip searches of people in custody in adult correctional institutions. Most recently, we submitted a proposal to modernize the framework and it was recently published on Ontario’s Regulatory Registry to have the public review and provide feedback to our policy proposal. The proposal our team submitted looks to modernize the current regulatory framework while continuing to improve the ministry’s ability to prevent and detect contraband in correctional institutions. It was an incredible experience participating in such an important policy proposal while also watching it develop from where it started to where it is now. I look forward to seeing the continued progress being made on this policy proposal.
What advice do you have for someone interested in taking the MPS program?
My advice for someone interested in taking the MPS program is to reach out to alumni, professors, and program administrators within the MPS program to ask questions, gain feedback, and listen to first-hand experiences. Professor Sen, Professor Norton, Sheila, Ramona, and all the other professors, and program admin are so kind and easy to talk to. They are all such a great resource to learn more about the program. Similarly, MPS alumni provide invaluable insight into the experiences, courses, and assignments you will be working on. What I have learned is that the MPS program is truly a family, where we all look after one another and ensure we all succeed.
How has COVID-19 impacted your current work?
Since the COVID-19 pandemic was not completely over, I had to work within a hybrid work model during my co-op term which saw changes both within and outside the office. The start of my co-op term was right around the same time my office was retuning back to the office, so we all had to adjust together to this “new normal”. While working from the office, we had to safely social distance at team meetings and briefings, wear masks, and share our desks/spaces with team members who come in-person on the days we were working from home. Also, while working from home, our team had to learn how to work together and communicate on certain documents and slide decks, while all working from different locations across Ontario.
Have you been working on any COVID-19 related policies?
While I have not been working on any COVID-19 related policies, I was fortunate enough to network with the Community Safety and Emergency Management Policy Unit which was also under SPRID. I was able to learn about some of the research and documents that was prepared for the development and execution of all COVID-19 Emergency Orders over t