Organizers of the CanInfra Challenge say Canada is ‘too big to think small’. They are calling on Canadians from coast to coast to coast to share their ideas for the country’s next big infrastructure idea for a chance to win a cash prize. And the Queen’s School of Policy Studies thinks the next great Canadian project, on the scale of the Transcontinental Railway or the St. Lawrence Seaway, could come from Queen’s.

The School is organizing a lunch and learn on Friday, Oct. 20 from 12:30-2:30 pm in Robert Sutherland Hall Room 202 for graduate students interested in learning more about the competition and helping to develop a proposal on behalf of the university.  

“This is an opportunity for us to suggest a transformative project that will help shape our country, transforming its economic and social wellbeing and creating a generational impact,” says David Walker, Executive Director and Stauffer-Dunning Chair of Policy Studies. “We welcome graduate students from all backgrounds who will bring creativity and passion to this important project. I am eager to hear what our students will envision for the future of our country.”

The organizers and sponsors of the challenge include the Boston Consulting Group, Brookfield Asset Management, The Globe & Mail, Deloitte LLP, Royal Bank of Canada, CIBC, and Torys LLP. Collectively, the companies are willing to provide up to $100,000 to the group that submits the best idea to improve transportation, energy distribution, water and waste water management, social resources like hospitals and schools, or infrastructure projects that enhance internet access. In addition, the grand prize winner will receive a private pitch session with Canada’s Minister of Finance.

The competition’s application window opens in November, and closes at the end of 2017. Entries will be evaluated based on their transformational nature, their relevance, and their feasibility. Finalists will also be evaluated on the compelling nature of their presentation and ability to address questions by the judges.

Winners of the CanInfra Challenge will be announced in the spring. For more information on the competition, visit www.caninfra.ca.

For more information on the Queen’s School of Policy Studies information session, please contact chanel.manzonepilon@queensu.ca.