Principal Daniel Woolf announced today the membership of the Principal’s Commission on the Future of Public Policy at Queen’s University.

The commission will conduct a broad review to determine how Queen’s can modernize its approach to public policy to reflect changes in public policy-making and public service as well as new learning requirements for policy leaders. The commission’s recommendations will focus on providing Queen’s with a forward vision for revitalizing its presence in the public policy arena.

“As a leading Canadian university, Queen’s aims to be an important contributor to public policy in this country because it enhances our research prominence, improves our learning environment, and extends our reach and reputation,” Principal Woolf says. “While Queen’s is still highly regarded in the field of public policy, we face an evolving landscape. I am confident the commissioners will develop recommendations that will inform a renewed strategic purpose and vision that fits the contemporary context.” 

The Principal’s Commission on the Future of Public Policy at Queen’s University will be led by Michael Horgan, MA’79, a Queen’s alumnus and former deputy minister of Finance Canada with more than 30 years of public service experience.

“As a proud alumnus, I am excited to lead this important commission,” Mr. Horgan says. “I look forward to fostering a discussion about the ways Queen’s can respond to a changing public policy environment that requires policy leaders who can work with a wide range of stakeholders and turn ideas into action.”

Mr. Horgan will be joined on the commission by Margaret Biggs (Vice-Chair), Kevin Costante, Artsci’78 and MPA’79, Jeannie Dempster, Artsci’93 and MPA’01, Bridget O’Grady, Artsci’03 and MPA’05, Peter Wallace, Artsci’83, Bob Watts, and Cam Yung, Artsci’16. The commission will commence its work in the coming weeks. It will research and consult with alumni and leaders in public affairs in Canada, both inside and outside of government. The commission is scheduled to deliver a final report in fall 2017.

In addition to establishing the commission, Principal Woolf earlier this year appointed David Walker as interim executive director of the School of Policy Studies and associate dean. With vast public policy experience and leadership skills, Dr. Walker will play an important role as Queen’s determines how this historically strong area can be reinvigorated both within the School of Policy Studies and in concert with other academic units at Queen’s.

Queen’s has built deep connections with government over the past 50 years, with several principals and professors advising Canadian policymakers. Research conducted at the university informs public policy at all levels of government, while graduates of programs offered by the School of Policy Studies and other faculties across the university progress to leadership positions in the public service as well as the private and not-for-profit sectors.