Mary Kane
The University’s new Director of Government Relations, Paul Ledwell, is busy preparing for the University’s first uOttawa Day on the Hill. Ledwell took on his responsibilities in July 2006 and has been using Vision 2010, the University’s strategic academic plan, as his guide.
A former Executive Director of the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, Paul Ledwell knows the importance of building strategic relationships. “When it comes to our relationship with the federal government, we may be privileged by our location, but we can’t assume that we are creating an impact,” he says. “We need to emphasize our strengths in key areas, including our bilingualism, research, and the programs we have to support government objectives.”
David Mitchell, vice-president, university relations, points out that, as a public institution, the University receives a majority of its funding from governments. “Our most important external relationship is with government,” says Mitchell. “For this reason, I am very pleased that we were able to attract Paul Ledwell to serve as our first director of government relations. In his new role, he will help us better coordinate our various interactions with governments at all levels.”
Ledwell is encouraging a two-way exchange of information on campus. He has been impressed by the breadth of experience and richness of opportunity to build on. With his initiative, the University was recently formally engaged in pre-budget consultations at both the federal and provincial levels. Ledwell also seeks opportunities to promote the University’s programs, research and research policy so vital to governments across the country.
One of the upcoming projects is the inaugural uOttawa Day on the Hill on February 15. The day will raise the University’s profile with MPs, senators and senior officials, emphasizing the University as a significant asset to the federal government.
A breakfast address entitled “Ethics, the Public Trust and the Role of Parliament”, presented by Luc Juillet from the School of Political Studies, will kick off the day. The uOttawa team, comprising representatives from senior administration, faculty and graduate students, will then host a variety of meetings with federal officials. The day will strengthen academic, research and other partnerships between the University and various government departments and agencies.
A reception, co-hosted by alumni Mauril Bélanger MP and the Hon. Hugh Segal, will close the day. Invited guests include members of Parliament, senators, key officials and a large group of alumni who work for the government of Canada.
Ledwell hopes uOttawa Day on the Hill will send a strong message to parliamentarians and policy-makers, conveying that “we’re interested in working with government. We understand some of the issues you are grappling with. Let the University of Ottawa play a role in offering solutions.”
For more information on uOttawa Day on the Hill or on government relations initiatives at the University, contact Paul Ledwell paul.ledwell@uOttawa.ca.
