About Us
Be where policy drives progress.
"In today's political and economic turmoil, Canada more than ever needs the clear, practical solutions our network of academics, fellows and partners can offer to solve national challenges and reestablish Canada's place in the world."
Martha Hall Findlay, Director, School of Public Policy
About the School
The School of Public Policy exists to help solve some of Canada’s most pressing economic and societal challenges. We combine the responsiveness of a leading think tank with the academic rigour of one of Canada’s leading research universities.
Canada is facing generational challenges, and recommendations for good policy decisions require the best and most complete gathering of facts and evidence available, from anywhere in the world, and application of the most objective, non-partisan, non-ideological analysis possible. And then we must communicate and engage — the best research, the best analysis and the best recommendations don’t do any good unless they reach decision-makers, directly or via the public.
At our campus in downtown Calgary. students are part of a diverse community of faculty, fellows, alumni and a lifelong network of peers and mentors. Our alumni are found in leadership positions in the private, public and non-profit sectors across Canada and around the world.
Our History
In 2007, Calgary’s forward-looking business community saw the need and potential for the success of a policy school at the University of Calgary, with the project backed by Calgary lawyer and philanthropist James Palmer, former Governor and Chair of the Canadian Tax Foundation and its first Chair from Western Canada.
Founded in 2008 with support from southern Alberta’s Palmer family and economist Jack Mintz as its first Director, the School made its name providing practical, real-world advice on economic and fiscal policy, international trade policy, health and social policy, energy policy and other areas.
Today, we provide recommendations for more effective decision making in those areas as well as a new focus for us, Canadian governance policy.
Our Students
Graduate education at the School of Public Policy is defined by relevance, rigour and real-world application. Grounded in interdisciplinary learning and informed by today's most urgent global and national issues, our graduate programs shape leaders who think critically, act ethically and deliver results.
Our People
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Advisory Council
Provides strategic advice, external perspectives and guidance to support the School’s mission of excellence in education; research, analysis and recommendations; and communications and engagement.
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Executive Committee
The leadership that drives the School forward.
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Research Directors
Leaders for our key policy research areas.
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Teaching
Coming from a variety of academic backgrounds and industry experience, our instructors create a rigorous, interdisciplinary learning experience for our graduate students.
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Fellows
Recognized policy experts from across business, government and academia aligned with our areas of focus.
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Meet our team
Meet the staff behind our operations.
