The Administrators' Colloquium

welcome to the

In Partnership with the University of Ottawa Centre on Governance

A public policy forum dedicated to exploring
evolving ideas in public policy and public administration

Designed for Public Servants

The Administrators’ Colloquium is a discussion forum where books on public policy and guest experts and speakers have been selected to stimulate thought and generate dialogue to explore evolving ideas in public policy and public administration. Designed for public servants, and others interested in public policy issues, the Colloquium provides an excellent informal setting to discuss subjects of mutual interest with peers and experts. Some of the policy issues discussed by the Colloquium include:

Infrastructure and Project Management
Health Policy
Economics and Taxation
Immigration Issues
Security and Intelligence
Canadian and International Politics
Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
Environment and Climate Change

In 2023-24, we plan to hold to face-to-face sessions at the University of Ottawa – Room 4004, Social Sciences Building (FSS) at 120 University Private. If University of Ottawa protocols and public health rules change, we could switch back to online sessions as necessary.

Under the traditional Administrators’ Colloquium format, each in-person session begins at 6:00 p.m. with a reception. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. The guest speaker is introduced at about 7:45 p.m., and by 8:00 p.m. the participants are engaged in an open, lively exchange. Evenings under the in-person format usually end by 9:15 p.m.

To encourage open discussion, all sessions, whether in person or online, will continue to be conducted under the Chatham House rule: participants are free to use information from the discussion, but are not allowed to reveal who made any comment.

Registrants are encouraged to check this website occasionally for updates on the format, resources persons, and dates for featured books.

COVID 19 - University of Ottawa Approach

While most measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic are no longer in effect, the University of Ottawa continues to closely monitor data and guidelines provided by public health authorities.

Masking

Masking is no longer mandatory on the University campus, but some clinics and health care-related programs may still encourage, or even require, it. Masks continue to be distributed at the entrances of several buildings.

Vaccination

Proof of vaccination is no longer mandatory but given that vaccination is the best way to protect oneself from the effects of COVID-19 and the flu, we encourage members of our community to get the free vaccinations they’re entitled to.

If you are sick, stay home!

If you’re experiencing symptoms, stay home! Refer to the Ontario Public Health Measures and Advice to know what to do in this situation.

From the Administrators’ Colloquium view, we are cognizant that some participants may be immuno-compromised and with the additional increased incidence of flu and respiratory viruses, and the limited space for our events, we encourage masking and distancing to the extent possible so that everyone can have a comfortable, safe experience.

Recent News

Is the government picking the wrong place to start regulating algorithms?

In preparation for our October 26th evening we’ve here republished discussion leader Sara Bannerman’s article Is the government picking the wrong place to start regulating algorithms? Originally published on Policy Options May 31, 2021. Bill C-10 – the current proposed revision to Canada’s Broadcasting Act – proposes to regulate the discoverability of Canadian content (CanCon) online. Discoverability is a key feature of online platforms like Netflix, YouTube or Spotify. These services make it easy to

Robert Calderisi, author of Quebec in a Global Light, will be the Discussion leader for the May 25 meeting discussion

Robert Calderisi, author of Quebec in a Global Light, will be replacing Michael Behiels as Discussion Leader, Tuesday May 25, 2021. Here is a brief profile of Mr. Calderisi – An economist, writer, and Rhodes Scholar, Robert Calderisi studied at the Universities of Montreal, Oxford, Sussex and London. He worked at the Department of Finance and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) in Ottawa, as well as at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

Upcoming Events

No Events

2023 - 2024 Session

Canadian Politics & Public Administration

From Left to Right: Saskatchewan’s Political and Economic Transformation

Discussion Leader:
Chris Dornan
Associate Professor, School of Journalism and Communication, Carleton University

October 24, 2023

General Policy Analysis

How Big Things Get Done

Discussion Leader:
Tobi Nussbaum
Chief Executive Officer, National Capital Commission

November 28, 2023

Health Policy / Issues

The Age Of Fentanyl: Ending The Opioid Epidemic

Discussion Leader:
Rob Boyd
CEO of Ottawa Inner City Health

January 30, 2024

General Policy Analysis

Stand on Guard: Reassessing Threats to Canada’s National Security

Discussion Leader:
Stephanie Carvin
Associate Professor of International Affairs, Carleton University

February 27, 2024

Environment/Energy Policy

What climate justice means and why we should care

Discussion Leader:
Barbara Leckie
Professor, Department of English and the Institute for the Comparative Study of Literature, Art, and Culture, Carleton University

March 26, 2024