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.

Economic and Fiscal Policy

From taxation and interprovincial trade to economic productivity, our experts develop policy options that support economic growth and national prosperity. We work with governments, business, academics and other organizations to research and generate practical solutions to Canada’s generational economic challenges.

Learn more

Energy and Natural Resources Policy

Energy and natural resources are drivers of economic prosperity and growth in Canada but face uncertain future. We work with governments, Indigenous peoples, industry, and civil society to bring a trans-disciplinary, global, and solutions-oriented agenda to the risk and opportunities in energy, critical minerals and other natural resources.

Learn more

International Policy

Our focus is on developing international trade policy options that enable economic growth and improve the quality of life for Canadians. Our priorities are Canada-U.S. relations, with the New North America Initiative, and the Indo-Pacific. We bring together leading thinkers to research and respond to a rapidly changing global trade environment. 

Learn more

Health and Social Policy

Improving our health and social systems is essential to the prosperity and well-being of Canadians. Applying a transdisciplinary lens to our research, we take on some of society’s most complex challenges: mental health for children, youth and adults; homelessness; improving primary healthcare; and immigration and social cohesion.

Learn more

Canadian Governance Policy

Canada is a complex country that’s difficult to govern effectively. We bring together academia, government, business and civil society to collaborate in creating a better future for Canada. Our focus is on federal-provincial and interprovincial relations, climate policy regulatory oversight, security and defence, and Indigenous reconciliation.

Learn more

Explore Our Research