Jennifer ditchburn terry fox biography

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Much of what we publish is done in collaboration with external researchers, writers and practitioners, who work with us to help inform public policy.

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The IRPP seeks to reflect the diversity of Canadian society by including a wide range of voices in the work that it undertakes. Our team works to bring together the worlds of research and public policy, with the goal of providing evidence, analysis and advice that supports sound decision-making and improves the lives of Canadians.

In 2015, she was named one of the 10 mostinfluential Hispanic–Canadians. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University and Master of Journalism from Carleton.

Expertise:
  • Public Policy (general)
  • Knowledge mobilization/transfer
  • Canadian journalism
  • Media practice and ethics
  • Federal Politics/Parliamentary affairs

Research

For more than 50 years, the IRPP has produced rigorous, in-depth research on Canada’s toughest policy challenges.

She is a not-for-profit sector executive and seasoned communicator working to make complex public policy issues and politics better understood by Canadians. We believe this commitment to operating in both official languages helps to enrich our national conversation on a wide range of policy issues.

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Jennifer sits on the board of the Banff Forum, an influential Canadian leadership network.

We are also committed to removing systemic barriers to inclusion so that equity-seeking groups are part of important public policy conversations.

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We work to unlock knowledge so that policy-makers, decision-makers and all Canadians can gain access to it. In addition to our research programs, we are the publishers of Policy Options magazine and the home of the Centre of Excellence on the Canadian Federation.

Based in Montreal, the IRPP is one of the only Canadian organizations of its kind to operate in both official languages.

Through in-depth research reports, articles and essays, public events and one-on-one briefings, we connect decision-makers with the research they need to make sound policy decisions, and we amplify the work of a diverse array of thinkers.

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We seek to improve public policy in Canada by generating research, providing insight and influencing debate on current and emerging policy issues facing Canadians and their governments.

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We bring together the worlds of research and public policy to improve the lives of Canadians.

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We use clear language, encourage dialogue and deploy various means of dissemination to help with this mobilization.

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Jennifer Ditchburn


Jennifer Ditchburn is the President and CEO of the Institute for Research on Public Policy.

Her research on the history of the Canadian Parliamentary Press Gallery appeared in five chapters of the 2016 book Sharp Wits & Busy Pens (Hill Times Publishing). As Canada navigates a fraught relationship with its largest trading partner, and the economic uncertainty that brings, many see oil pipelines as a panacea. She is the winner of three National Newspaper Awards, the recipient of the prestigious Charles Lynch Award for outstanding coverage of national issues, and three Canadian Online Publishing silver awards for her columns.

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Featured Research

Andrew Leach

Oil pipelines are once again a hot topic of discussion everywhere, from political panels to kitchen tables. We verify our findings through peer review and/or consultations with experts.

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We regularly convene conversations with outside experts to help advance understanding around key issues and to build productive networks. From 2016 to 2021, she was the Editor-in-Chief of the IRPP’s influential digital magazine, Policy Options.

Prior to joining the IRPP, Jennifer spent two decades covering national and parliamentary affairs for The Canadian Press and for CBC Television.

She is also a fellow at Carleton University’s Political Management program, and an inductee in the Hall of Distinction at CEGEP John Abbott College.

Jennifer is the co-editor with Graham Fox of the 2016 book The Harper Factor: Assessing a PrimeMinister’s Policy Legacy (McGill-Queen’s University Press).

jennifer ditchburn terry fox biography

Indeed, memories of the oil booms of past decades — and the economic largesse […]

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