Apply to the program

The Program is designed to prepare promising executives to be most effective in their roles and to take on expanded leadership roles in the future. Effective leaders are continuous learners. Accordingly, the Program demands active engagement of the participants:

• to prepare by completing assigned readings;
• to participate actively in the sessions;
• to share responsibility for group activities and presentations;
• to prepare self assessments at the beginning and end of the program related to their understanding of climate change and of their own leadership practice;
• to maintain a learning journal throughout the Program.

The time commitment for participants is a day and a half per month over the Program’s eight months, with additional time for preparation as follows:

• eight sessions (normally one and one-half days each in duration) totaling 11.5 days;
• about one additional half-day per month for reading and assignments.

The Program is offered by the University of Ottawa but does not result in formal academic credits. Program participants and presenters may speak and write in the official language of their choice.

Prospective participants should normally meet the following criteria:

• currently occupy an executive leadership role in a public sector organization (federally this would be EX01s, 02s or 03s) or an equivalent position -- this could include executives who have recently been promoted and are in the early stages of understanding their leadership responsibilities, or veteran executives looking to both “recharge” their leadership skills and become more knowledgeable about how they and their teams can contribute to addressing the challenges associated with climate change;
• not a climate change expert or necessarily work on issues directly related to climate change;
• have a desire to lead the way to a modern and innovative economy and social construct in Canada and enhance their leadership skills;
• be recommended by the relevant Deputy Minister, or Assistant Deputy Minister, or equivalent senior leadership; and,
• be willing to commit to complete the Program assignments, attend the sessions, and participate actively.

For 2024-2025, the cost for the Program is $8,500 + HST, which covers tuition, instructional materials, on-site meals for Ottawa sessions. The The Program fee of $8500 is payable in one ($8,500) or two ($4,250 each) instalments by the end of April of the relevant year.

Nominations should include:

• a letter explaining the applicant’s reasons for wishing to participate in the Program,
• a letter of support from the relevant Deputy Minister or Assistant Deputy Minister, or CEO/ Vice-President equivalent where appropriate,
• a current curriculum vitae.

We request that applications for Cohort II (beginning in November 2024) be submitted by August 30, 2024.

Nominations should be sent by email to:

Odell House team
Centre on Public Management and Policy
University of Ottawa
Odell House, 180 Waller Street South
Ottawa, Ontario K1N 9B9
[email protected]
Telephone: 613-796-6100

Questions regarding the program content may also be directed to:

University of Ottawa:
Ellen Burack
Program Director
Center on Public Management and Policy
Faculty of Social Sciences
[email protected]