SPP

Areas of Focus

Global. Focused. Practical.

Shaping Policy Through Research

The School of Public Policy is driven by a mission to create meaningful change. Faculty and research teams engage with complex challenges across sectors and disciplines, producing evidence-based insights to shape decision-making in Canada and beyond. By integrating rigorous analysis with practical application, this work bridges theory and practice to inform stronger outcomes. Explore how our research—and the communities around it—advance critical conversations and practical solutions.

Canadian Governance Policy

Established in early 2025, our Canadian Governance Policy area of focus provides rigorous evidence, shared knowledge and bold ideas to address critical questions about how Canadians govern ourselves in a rapidly changing world. We bring together leading thinkers from academia, government and business to develop forward-looking policies for the future of our country with a global perspective. Areas of focus include federal-provincial and interprovincial relations, internal trade, social inequality and Indigenous Reconciliation.

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Energy Policy

Our Energy Policy area of focus conducts interdisciplinary research to address key energy issues and provide practical advice for policymakers on opportunities and challenges tied to the responsible development of Canada’s diverse energy resources. We draw on expertise from industry, regulators, scientific councils and governments to address policy questions related to resource development, market access and environmental impacts. Through partnerships with a range of organizations, we co-create rigorous and relevant public policy knowledge.

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Fiscal and Economic Policy

Our Energy Policy area of focus conducts interdisciplinary research to address key energy issues and provide practical advice for policymakers on opportunities and challenges related to the responsible development of Canada’s diverse energy resources. We draw on expertise from industry, regulators, scientific councils and governments to explore policy questions involving resource development, market access and environmental impacts. We also partner with a range of organizations to co-create rigorous and relevant public policy knowledge.

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Health and Social Policy

The Policy Centre for Effective Health and Social Systems Policy designs, evaluates and supports integrated, accessible and sustainable systems. We focus on practical policy solutions through rigorous analysis and collaboration with those who deliver and rely on these systems. Key areas include disability and mental health, poverty, homelessness, access to care and newcomer support. Our goal is to strengthen public and community systems to improve health and well-being across all stages of life.

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International Policy

Our International Policy area of focus explores trade and strategic policy issues relevant to Alberta and Canada, with particular attention to North America and the Indo-Pacific region, including China. We also examine national security, defence and Arctic sovereignty. Through collaboration with leaders in business, government and academia, we develop practical international policy research focused on security, defence and the economics of global trade.

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Explore Our Research