“Working as a consultant for Fred Victor gave me the opportunity to examine how strategy and advocacy strengthens the services that directly support people experiencing poverty and homelessness in Toronto, while adapting to the priorities and constraints of a community partner. The experience strengthened my professional skills, but the even greater value came from being trusted to apply those skills and contribute to important decisions. The practical experience I gained from PGI will shape how I approach future policy work, and I would strongly recommend it to students looking for an opportunity to build those skills while completing their degree.”

“My time with PGI as a policy consultant for Brain Cancer Canada (BCC) was a deeply transformative experience and has been integral in shaping me into the policy professional I want to be! Working with a bright team of fellow MPPs and MGAs, we had the opportunity to see what it takes to move policy into practice. Our lasting impact at BCC was the development of infographic reports on a variety of topics related to brain cancer care, intended to serve as an information launching point for patients and their families throughout their care journey by being readily available on BCC’s website. Ultimately, PGI gave me the platform to generate genuine change in the lives of Canadians, and I highly recommend joining as a policy consultant to any student interested in making a difference!”

“Bridging the gap between what we do in the classroom and what will be expected of us in the real world is what sets PGI apart from other MGA/MPP experiences. Alongside my team, I honed my skills in research and policy analysis, but also in unexpected areas like client engagement and traditional project management. Our project with Brain Cancer Canada was nationwide, but by the end of our engagement, we had distilled it into real, applicable, and actionable reports and recommendations that are already on their way to being implemented. Knowing that we’ve made a change with the organization we were working with in an innovative and collaborative way is what makes PGI unique.”

“As a first-year MPP student with limited professional experience in policy development, PGI provided me with an incredible opportunity to build these critical skills alongside an amazing team and support system. As a policy consultant for GovFest, my team and I conducted qualitative research, including stakeholder interviews and a competitor scan, to develop evidence-based recommendations that supported the organization’s long-term planning and sustainability. My experience at PGI was deeply rewarding, allowing me to apply in-class learning to a real-world challenge while strengthening my research and communication skills. I highly recommend joining PGI if you’re looking for an opportunity to develop your skills, gain hands-on experience, and make a meaningful impact in the community!”

“What I valued most about working as a policy consultant through the Public Good Initiative with Canadian Doctors for Medicare was the opportunity to produce research for a policy partner whose advocacy depends on timely, credible, and accessible analysis. By conducting legislative scans and examining the effects of private equity on healthcare access, equity, and long-term sustainability, I learned to connect detailed research with broader questions about the future of Canada’s public healthcare system. Through this experience, I developed a stronger understanding of collaborative policy work and would strongly recommend joining PGI to students seeking to contribute to meaningful public-interest initiatives.”

“Working for the Public Good Initiative was one of the most memorable and rewarding professional experiences of my life thus far. As a Consultant for the David Suzuki Foundation, my team and I developed vital policy and problem-solving skills while contributing to the organization’s 10-year strategy focused on combating Canada’s long-term environmental concerns. PGI challenged me to apply and go beyond classroom knowledge, provided a platform to expand my professional network, and influenced my current and future policy interests. If you’re looking for an immersive work experience within unique organizations driven to improve the social good, look no further than PGI. ”