More than 40 uOttawa graduates who now work as senior civil servants at various levels of government acted as mentors throughout the weekend. Their mission is to guide the teams, encourage them to think more deeply, help them better understand the realities of working in public service, and encourage them to think critically.
From a crowded field of 25 excellent presentations, our judges had difficulty selecting five finalists and an overall winner. The team greeting the new Minister of Immigration, which included Sasha Mathieu, Deidre Schumacher, Lina Tahir, and Mariia Zagrebelna, best captured the combination of clarity, concision, and content the challenge sought.
Read what the participants had to say about the experience:
Professor Michael Wernick
“It was inspiring and energizing to share this intense learning experience with our extraordinary students and a group of mentors and judges who generously gave their time and shared their experience.”
Professor Michael Wernick
Jarislowsky Chair in Public Sector Management
Thomas Gagné, an alumnus and a mentor during the challenge.
“As a graduate of the University of Ottawa in Political Science, class of 2005, I can attest to the importance of my academic training on my entire political career over the last 20 years. I must also mention the importance of many mentors I have had the chance to meet along the way, and it is my pleasure to give back, similarly, as a mentor. As part of the FSS Challenge, to students of the Faculty of Social Sciences in 2024."
Thomas Gagné
Ex-Director of Defence Procurement and Industry Relations
Students Habiba Laoulidi and Lewis Wilson, FSS Challenge participants
“Participating in this challenge was a genuinely enriching experience. Working as a team with members I had never met tested my openness to diverse ideas while pushing me to manage my time wisely. It also helped me enhance my listening and oratory skills, making this journey of personal growth even more rewarding.”
Habiba Laoulidi
School of Political Studies
“Being able to learn practical skills, like developing and presenting a briefing, from former senior civil servants is one of UOttawa’s unique strengths. Participating in this workshop was a highlight of my university career, and it is an experience I will carry with me for years to come.”
Lewis Wilson
School of Political Studies
Kevin Page, final-round judge
“I’ve spent decades in senior roles of the public service supporting ministers and prime ministers to make sound economic and fiscal decisions. It’s a tough balancing act and the FSS Challenge experience captures the dynamic tension of decision-making. The student teams in the FSS Challenge are grappling with policy, politics, and the pressure of time. It is exciting to be part of a challenge that celebrates young people's problem-solving and building solutions to real challenges. I hope they take these learnings into their careers.”
Kevin Page
President and CEO, Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy
A big thank you to all participants for your hard work; keep pushing the boundaries of innovation!