Module 10

How does a new government impact policy?

Released:29 April 2025

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So, how does a new government impact policy?

When a new government takes power in Canada, there are usually changes in policy. These changes can take several forms:

  • New leaders may continue some existing policies, modify others, or create entirely new initiatives that align with their party’s platform and promises
  • Public servants help maintain continuity while implementing the new government’s vision.
  • The extent and speed of policy changes depend on factors such as the new government’s priorities, available resources, and the need to collaborate with other orders of government.
Speakers

    Heather Watts

    2024/25

    She has also worked as an elementary school teacher in New York City and in Rochester, New York, where she developed a passion for culturally responsive pedagogy.
    Heather is currently a fifth-year doctoral student at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education – University of Toronto, in the Social Justice Education program. She has been awarded a Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship, through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), a highly competitive national award competition. Her research centers reconciliation and reclamation of Indigenous ways of knowing in modern-day education systems.
    Heather leads First Peoples Group, an Indigenous consulting firm that specializes in customized Indigenous cultural competency learning, engagement with Indigenous peoples, and reconciliation action planning.

    Blake Buckle

    2024/25

    He has served as Vice President, Business Development and Corporate Secretary for Northern Vision Development LP, a Yukon-based First Nation majority-owned development partnership, Associate Vice President of Advancement at Yukon University and held various roles within the Government of Yukon, including at the political and bureaucratic levels. He has recently taken on a role as Senior Advisor to the Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, where, alongside a passionate team of health experts and advocates, he is working to drive positive outcomes for Yukoners, families, and communities. Though his professional roles have changed over time, he has maintained a passionate commitment to building a strong, vibrant, resilient northern Canada.

    Blake is married to Christina Buckle, who runs a nonprofit dance school. Together, they are parents to two wonderful children, Odette (4) and Wyatt (2).

    Linda Tchombé

    2024/25

    Having lived most of her life as an immigrant, she is particularly interested in issues related to women and immigrant communities, and more specifically in the place of immigrant women in society. Prior to philanthropy, she worked in a variety of fields (including insurance, online business and non-profit fundraising). She holds a PhD in Applied Health Sciences, a specialized graduate diploma in Bioinformatics from UQÀM, as well as an MBA from HEC Montréal.

    Jeff Collins

    2024/25

    Jeff is a noted expert on Canadian defence procurement and defence policy. He has published extensively, including dozens of reports and articles. His first book, “Reassessing the Revolution in Military Affairs” was published in 2015. A second book, titled “Canada’s Defence Procurement Woes,” came out in 2023. Since 2015, Jeff maintains an active part-time Adjunct Professor position at UPEI, teaching in two graduate International Relations programs. He is also a board member of the Banff Forum, one of Canada’s leading public policy conferences.
    In recognition of his public service leadership with the Government of Prince Edward Island from 2016-22, Jeff was awarded a Ministerial Medal for Public Policy Innovation. In 2019, as a result of his work on Prince Edward Island-United States trade relations, he participated in the US State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program on US Foreign Policy Decision-Making. Prior to joining the PEI Public Service, Jeff was a policy advisor to Canada’s Minister of Veterans Affairs.
    Jeff holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Carleton University, a MA in International Relations from the University of Birmingham, a law degree from the University of Aberdeen, and a BA and Certificate in Public Administration from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

    Davis Levine

    2024/25

    Before working with the Government of Alberta he spent five years as a service designer and team lead in the British Columbia public service.
    In addition to his professional practice, he is a sessional instructor at MacEwan University where he teaches a seminar on contemporary design issues. Davis also volunteers and is a board member of the Edmonton Tool Library, a not-for-profit which provides affordable access to hand, power, and garden tools to the community.
    Originally from California, Davis moved to Canada at age 13 sparking a lifelong affinity for Edmonton, the city he still calls home. Outside of work you can find Davis in Edmonton’s beautiful river valley walking his dog Caro or on the pickleball court.
    Davis holds a Bachelor of Design from the University of Alberta and a Master of Arts in Digital Experience Design from Hyper Island (UK)

    Isabelle Godin

    2024/25

    The KRSC operates in the municipal sector as a provider of essential services to the communities within its territory. The KRSC is mandated to offer services in land use planning, solid waste, economic development, tourism promotion, recreation planning, public safety, community development and regional transportation, which it succeeds in doing brilliantly thanks to the collaborative spirit and dynamism of its Board of Directors.
    Building on her experience as a teacher, Isabelle continues her involvement with New Brunswick youth as the President of Improvisation New Brunswick. She volunteers her time as a referee and judge at high school improvisation tournaments, as well as with middle schoolers during the Jeux de l’Acadie. As a member of the LGBTQIA2+ community, she supports the development of policies promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. In her spare time, Isabelle likes to enjoy local parks and beaches, read, play video games and plan her next international trip.

    Cole Nychka

    2024/25

    Cole is a Professional Engineer, has a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA, and is happy husband with three growing sons.

    Tyler Sack

    2024/25

    Previously, Tyler was the Manager of Research and Analytics for Orenda Software Solutions, an artificial intelligence company that uses social media to measure public perception. Prior to that he worked for Membertou First Nation in Communications, and the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation in Capacity Development.
    Tyler earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology from Saint Mary’s University and a Master of Arts in Sociology from the University of Guelph. In 2022, Tyler was accepted into the Governor General Canadian Leadership Conference. In 2023, he was accepted into the Indigenous Leadership Circle, a network of emerging Indigenous, Metis, and Inuit members to share, elevate, and advance their ideas.
    Tyler has been a Sundancer since 2008 with the White Eagle Sundance in Elsipogtog, NB.

    Alexandra Cool-Fergus

    2024/25

    She recently joined Climate Action Network Canada as the National Policy Manager, and previously worked at the Federation of Canadian municipalities in various climate-related positions. She has also run a dozen campaigns at the federal and municipal levels, supported or led various climate justice campaigns and worked for ENGOs in Montréal, Yellowknife, Ottawa and Gatineau.