At this point in 2025, our MPP candidates are fully engaged in the Policy Lab, a capstone experience of the Master of Public Policy program that allows them to put their expertise into practice on real-world issues. Under the guidance of faculty mentors and industry professionals, and working closely with the Max Bell School鈥檚 broad network of partner organizations, this year鈥檚 seven teams are addressing key challenges spanning diverse areas such as the defence sector, fair markets, and strengthening youth civic participation.听
Reducing roaming costs abroad | Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission聽
From left to right: Neil Bouwer, Adrienne Vaupshas, Alexandra Cooper,聽Suhanya Joseph de Saram, and Antoinette Steele.
Under the coaching of Neil Bouwer, MPPs Adrienne Vaupshas, Alexandra Cooper, Suhanya Joseph de Saram, and Antoinette Steele聽were tasked by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission to find creative ways to reduce Canadians鈥� roaming costs when travelling abroad.听
鈥淚t鈥檚 been an incredible learning experience to connect with industry, academic, and consumer protection experts to navigate this multifaceted issue alongside the CRTC. Every conversation and team brainstorm is an opportunity for new learning!鈥濃��
Algorithmic pricing and policy guidance | Competition Bureau Canada聽
From left to right: Angelina Freeman,聽Husein Pumaya Yakubu,聽Isabella Coronado Doria, and聽Elijah Maubert.
MPPs Angelina Freeman,聽Husein Pumaya Yakubu, Isabella Coronado Doria, and Elijah Maubert, coached by Tim Lane were tasked by the Competition Bureau Canada to answer what the benefits and drawbacks of algorithmic pricing practices are, and how policymakers and regulators should guide the development of this practice.听
鈥淚n our Policy Lab, we鈥檝e been diving into a big question: how do we keep markets fair when algorithms are the ones setting prices? It鈥檚 been eye-opening to hear from A.I. experts, regulators, and people in the industry, especially when their views don鈥檛 always align. We鈥檝e learned a lot about navigating complex conversations and hope to turn all these insights into practical ideas that can help make competition policy more future-ready.鈥� We鈥檙e hoping our work can lead to policies that protect competition and the public good in a world that鈥檚 changing fast.鈥澛�
Boosting youth civic engagement in local governments | Metcalf Foundation聽
From left to right: Julia Bruno, Nickson Mugabi, Taylor Owen,聽Seth Bumagat, and Diana Kamau.
In collaboration with the Metcalf Foundation and the support of coach Taylor Owen, MPPs Julia Bruno, Nickson Mugabi, Seth Bumagat, and Diana Kamau will focus on providing policy options for enhancing youth civic engagement and the role of provincial and municipal governments.鈥�
鈥淭he civic engagement of youth positively contributes to active and representative democracies which, in turn, fosters trust. Our report will develop systems for achieving meaningful youth engagement and provide policy options to build stronger relationships between youth and democratic institutions. From exploring political theory to assessing current policy practices, the Policy Lab challenge has provided us the opportunity to better understand the rudimentary principles and inner workings of a resilient and healthy democracy. While indeed a challenge, translating the complex ideas of democratic theory into robust, applicable, and effective policy solutions has been an incredibly enlightening experience. We have been fortunate to meet with leading academics and civil society organizations. Seeing their passion and creativity has been an energizing source鈥痮f鈥痠nspiration.鈥澛�
Federal steps to improve veteran mental health services | Pembroke Psychological Services and Valhalla Visions Counselling Clinic聽
From left to right:聽No茅mie Veilleux, Al Ahamed, Bianca Mammarella, Clea Corman, and Leslie Fierro
MPPs No茅mie Veilleux, Al Ahamed, Bianca Mammarella, and Clea Corman, coached by Leslie Fierro were tasked by Pembroke Psychological Services (Ontario) and Valhalla Visions Counselling Clinic (New Brunswick) to answer what steps the federal government should take to ensure the highest-quality mental health programming is provided by the Partners in Canadian Vocational Rehabilitation Services (PCVRS) to veterans released from the military due to illness or injury.鈥�
鈥淎s a team, we are dedicated to improving the newest rehabilitation system for veterans by tackling the real challenges they face in accessing timely and effective mental health care. Through engaging with stakeholders, including service providers, and advocacy groups, we鈥檝e gained valuable insights into the complexities of the system. Our goal is to help shape practical, impactful recommendations that will enhance coordination, ensure transparency, and ultimately create a system that delivers the high-quality care veterans deserve. So far, this Policy Lab has deepened our understanding of the critical need for continued collaboration and thoughtful, compassionate policy solutions that prioritize the well-being of the veteran population.鈥濃��
Improving wealth building for young Canadians | Social Capital Partners聽
From left to right:聽Gabriel Blanc, Jacob Kates Rose, Kiran Gill, Samuel De Gr芒ce, and Jennifer Robson.
Coached by Jennifer Robson, MPPs Gabriel Blanc, Jacob Kates Rose, Kiran Gill, and Samuel De Gr芒ce, were tasked by Social Capital Partners to answer how the federal or provincial/territorial governments can improve wealth-building for lower- and middle-income younger Canadians.听
"Wealth inequality is a pressing issue for young Canadians from Halifax to Victoria. We cast a wide research net, engaging with political scientists, economists, non-profit managers, and government social policy researchers to understand the dimensions of Canadian wealth insecurity. Working on this Policy Challenge has opened our eyes to the diverse challenges faced by Canadians, and the complexity of solving problems that affect every life stage. As young Canadians looking to build and join a resilient 21st century economy, we are committed to pitching creative, effective and evidence-based policy in this field."
Protecting civilians and aid workers from drones | White Helmets聽
From left to right: Cyrus Nagra, Lilian Garc铆a Berg, Camille Haisell, Zara Rezae, Pearl Eliadis, and Fayez Sahak.
MPPs Cyrus Nagra, Lilian Garc铆a Berg, Camille Haisell, Zara Rezae, and Fayez Sahak, coached by Pearl Eliadis were tasked by the White Helmets to answer what can be done to protect civilians and humanitarian aid workers from suicide drones in conflict zones.听
"As part of our ongoing capstone Policy Lab project, our team is working in collaboration with The White Helmets to develop strategies that protect civilians and humanitarian aid workers from the escalating threat of suicide drones in conflict zones. Our first-hand data from conflict zones indicate that suicide drones have transformed the nature of warfare, enabling state and non-state actors to target civilians and humanitarian actors. Under the coaching of Pearl Eliadis, our team is examining international humanitarian law, the politics surrounding civilian protection, and the role of modern technologies in conflict and defense. We are identifying leading global practices and consulting subject matter experts in law, technology, media and humanitarian advocacy to craft actionable policy recommendations that can help safeguard frontline responders in Syria and beyond."聽
Strengthening Canada鈥檚 defence sector聽
From left to right: Michael Black,聽Kevin Haynes,聽Sean Jenner, Hannah Male, Vincent Rigby, and Tess Corkey.
Tasked by the Wilson Centre, MPPs Michael Black, Kevin Haynes, Sean Jenner, Hannah Male, and Tess Corkey, coached by Vincent Rigby, were tasked to explore how Canada and its allies can strengthen their defence sectors.听
鈥淥ur Policy Lab began at a moment when the direction of Canada-US relations seemed certain鈥攄eepening integration and partnership built on decades of trust. But the shifting geopolitical context of the last eight months has challenged those assumptions, showing us how Canada must rethink defence procurement with even its most trusted allies. Engaging with experts from across sectors and borders, we鈥檝e come to see defence procurement not just as a transactional process, but as a strategic tool for resilience, security, and global leadership. This experience has inspired us to envision a future where Canada鈥檚 procurement system is agile, forward-thinking, and a pillar of both national sovereignty and global stability.鈥澛�
We're looking forward to these presentations and reports in July, which will be posted聽on our website.听
