University of Ottawa hosting national symposium to discuss role of universities in public policy development

OTTAWA — The presidents of five of Canada's leading research universities have joined forces to present the Presidents' National Dialogue, a national symposium at the University of Ottawa that will examine the role of universities in the development of public policy.

Recessions, international conflicts, sustainable economic development – these are some of the urgent and complex issues governments face every day, issues that make it ever more important for leaders to have access to new and innovative policy options.

The universities of Ottawa, Winnipeg, Alberta, Waterloo and Montreal believe it is critical to enhance the role of universities as centres of knowledge and expertise in public policy development. With their capacity for critical thought and independent research, universities have much to offer and can contribute significantly to an open and rigorous policy-making process in Canada.

WHAT: Presidents' National Dialogue

WHEN: Thursday, October 22 and Friday, October 23, 2009

WHERE: University of Ottawa, Desmarais Hall, 12th Floor (55 Laurier Ave. E., Ottawa)

James B. Steinberg, Deputy Secretary of State, United States Department of State, will deliver the keynote address. Afterward, an expert guest panel composed mainly of senior-level government representatives will respond to the presentation. Their feedback will not only provide the context of the Canadian government experience, but also offer an insightful view into the expectations and aspirations for university-government cooperation from the perspective of the public service.

On the second day of the symposium, five round tables, each moderated by one of the university presidents, will discuss foreign affairs, Aboriginal issues, the economy, health, and the environment. They will also examine ways in which universities can more consistently contribute to the policy-making process, suggest approaches to encourage those contributions, and ultimately produce recommendations for both universities and governments to consider.