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The Policy Lab brings together the key elements of the Max Bell School MPP program includingÌýthe principles of policy design, the difficulty of conducting thoroughÌýanalysis with incomplete data, the trade-offs between stakeholders’Ìýinterests, the challenges posed by a partisan political landscape, and howÌýto communicate complex policy ideas effectively.
Past partners
The following organisations and institutionsÌýhave partnered with the Max Bell School of Public Policy for the Policy Lab:
Government of Canada
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Other organisations
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Become a partner
Partners play a critical role in the success of the Policy Lab. Each partner provides a dedicated lead that ensures the following responsibilities, which represents 2-3 hours per month between January and July:
- Ensure the presence of key participants and subject matter experts during the meetings and for the final review within the windows of availability provided
- Provide feedback in a timely fashion, preferably within one week of request
- Minimize changes to the policy challenge once the Policy Lab has begun
Policy Lab partners are asked to provide the following before the start of the academic year:
- A dedicated lead within the partner organization who will be the main point of contact
- A financial contribution to the administrative and out-of-pocket costs of the Policy Lab
If your organization is interested in becoming a Policy Lab partner, please contact us at maxbell.school [at] mcgill.ca
How it works
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The Lab groups students into small project teams that work to address a specific policy challenge for a real-world partner: either a government, business, international institution, or an NGO.
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These partners provide both the policy challenge and experience with the real-world difficulties that make putting policy into practice difficult.
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Supported by both academic and practitioner coaches who provide guidance and feedback, the student team develops a full policy solution and briefing for the partner.
Key milestones:
Sponsorship Confirmed | May |
Challenge Approved | June |
Team / Coach Compensation | October |
Kick-Off | December |
Brief Outline | January |
Stakeholder Consultations | March |
Summary of Findings | April |
Draft Policy Brief | May |
Draft Presentation | June |
Final Presentations and Feedback | July |
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Policy Lab 2022
Read this year's reports and watch our MPPs' presentations to discover policy solutions for addressing climate change, affordable housing, gaps in healthcare, and more.
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Policy LabÌý2021
In theseÌýreports and presentations,ÌýcreatedÌýby our second cohort of MPP students, read about policy solutions for addressingÌýhousing discrimination, educational gender inequality, the social acceptability of drones, and more.
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Policy Lab 2020
A series of policy reports by our first class of MPP students on the circular economy, power purchase agreements, Canada's legal Cannabis industry, Canadian innovation policies, public transit, and affordable housing.
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Learn moreÌýabout partnership
Read this brochure to find out more about becoming a Policy Lab partner.