The event drew students, faculty and figures from Parliament Hill, including former Speaker of the House of Commons Peter Milliken.  It was organized by Ihor Korbabicz, Chris Waterston, Matthew Burbidge and Nicholas MacDonald.

Adding to the discussion are three panelists from across the political spectrum.  Anne McGrath was chief of staff to NDP leader Jack Layton, and one of the architects of the party’s ascension to the Official Opposition.  She is currently chief of staff to interim NDP leader Nycole Turmel.  Edward (“Eddie”) Goldenberg was chief of staff to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and is the author of The Way It Works: Inside Ottawa.  He is currently a partner with Bennett Jones LLP.  Dimitri Soudas was director of communications for Prime Minister Stephen Harper and is now director of communications for the Canadian Olympic Committee.  The discussion will be moderated by TVOntario’s Steve Paikin.

The event will be held at the Rideau Club, 99 Bank Street, 15th floor, from 6-8:30 p.m.  For additional information, please contact ikorbabi@connect.carleton.ca

Kathleen Monk, formerly Director of Strategic Communications for Jack Layton and now Executive Director of the Broadbent Institute, addressed the communications skills that Layton and his team deployed across the same period. She described the television news production skills she brought to his and the Caucus’ positioning, and the strict discipline and focus that she helped impose on a group not famous for that professionalism previously. Both veterans of the Layton years observed that among the toughest requirements, and source of the most painful internal battles, was the triage that such discipline imposes – managing the anger and disappointment of those people, issues and ridings that do not make the cut for the Leader’s time or the party’s resources.

Students of the Clayton H. Riddell Master of Political Management, along with their professors, politicians and the Speaker of the House of Commons, Andrew Scheer, gathered to toast Canada’s first graduate program of its kind. Also attending was Preston Manning, president and CEO of the Manning Centre for Building Democracy. The program was originally proposed to Carleton by the Manning Centre.

“The success of government requires strong players at all levels,” said Devolin. “This innovative program gives people a professional foundation in the skills required for constructive politics and effective policy.” The master’s program admits 25 students a year. Explicitly designed to inform and bolster electoral politics and parliamentary democracy in Canada and beyond, Riddell students will be equipped to occupy positions of responsibility and leadership. “Carleton University is proud to assist in improving governance and the practice of politics across the nation,” said Carleton President Roseann O’Reilly Runte. “Our location in the nation’s capital, the generous support of Mr. Riddell and our talented faculty combine to make this program highly successful.”

“The impetus of this program came from a need to address a democratic deficit,” said André Plourde, dean of the Faculty of Public Affairs. “We are proud to be playing this role and acting as a training ground for the future leaders of Canada.”

Former parliamentarians and experts who have agreed to speak in various classes throughout the year have been designated as Fellows of the program. “The fellowships are a way to recognize the important contributions these people have made,” said André Turcotte, chair of the program. “We want to establish close and long-term associations with them.’’ The 2011-2012 Fellows include Guy Giorno, former chief of staff in the Prime Minister’s Office; Barry McLoughlin and Laura Peck, founders of McLoughlin Media; political strategist Richard Anderson; lobbyist and strategist Michael Robinson; Robin Sears, veteran communications, marketing and public affairs adviser; Chris Froggatt, public affairs and communications professional; Liz Mulholland, independent public policy consultant; Scott Reid, former PMO director of communications; political columnist Paul Wells; and former Speaker of the House of Commons Peter Milliken. The pioneering program is made possible through the generous financial support of Calgary businessman Clayton H. Riddell and the Riddell Family Charitable Foundation.