Nominate a young policy wonk, please

Every year Canada's public policy mukity-mucks get together in Toronto at the Public Policy Forum's (PPF's) annual awards dinner, which recognizes the contribution of a handful of people to Canada's public policy landscape.

A relatively recent addition to the evening is the award that recognizes an "emerging leader who personifies leadership and commitment in the area of public policy and civic discourse." With Andrew Medd, I was fortunate enough to receive this award several years ago. It's a tremendous honour and opportunity for a young person who cares about public policy (although they've upped the age limit to 35 this year, so "young" may not be the correct adjective anymore!).

If you know anyone who fits the bill, please consider nominating them. The application and nomination forms can be found toward the bottom of this page.

And if you are in Toronto in April, consider attending. I've been a few times, and have become a fan of the speeches, which are nearly always a wonderful combination of honest criticism and inspirational appeals for the future.

Last year I particularly enjoyed the opening remarks by Saskatchewan premier Brad Wall and the plea for better from veteran journalist Craig Oliver. It was also the first year speeches were recorded, and the links are here.

I'll be sure to post from my favourites this year as well.