Wonder what it’s like to advise a federal minister on day one of their new role?

Over three high-energy days, participants will engage in a fast-paced simulation where collaboration, strategy, and insight are essential. Tasked with supporting a newly appointed federal minister, teams will step into the shoes of a non-partisan public service unit to create a polished, professional briefing book and deliver a persuasive oral briefing, ensuring their minister is informed, confident, and ready to lead from day one.

However, there's more: as the Challenge unfolds, teams will tap into the real-world expertise of professionals from both the public and private sectors. With their guidance, participants will tackle a timely and complex issue, revealed only at the start of the competition, using a detailed evaluation grid to shape and sharpen their solutions. It’s a test of knowledge, creativity, and collaboration under pressure.

Dates and schedule

• A pre-competition event will be held on October 1, 2025, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Attendance at this pre-competition event is not mandatory. Participants who do not attend will have to watch the recording before the start of the Challenge. More details on the panelists to come.
• Friday, October 3, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.   
• Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Sunday, October 5, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Awards

• First place: $500 per team member
• Finalists: $250 per team member

Additional details

• The challenge will be held in French and English.
• Snacks and lunch are included.
• The course outline will be available on Brightspace to registered participants.

Location: Faculty of Social Sciences Building

Cost: Free!

Languages: The Challenge will take place in both French and English.

To participate, you must:

• Be enrolled full-time in a program in the Faculty of Social Sciences (part-time students may enroll for a microcredit fee).  
• Have completed at least 24 credits by September 22, 2025.  
• Be in good standing with your tuition fees.

Deadline: September 22, 2025, 5 p.m.. Places are limited, so register early!  

Participants will be paired in teams of 4 to 6, depending on their language of use. The teams will be created among all registered students after the registration deadline.

All participants will receive 1.5 credits via microcredit FSS 3302: Specialized Workshop in Social Sciences II, provided they meet the following requirements:  

• Complete pre-event readings.  
• Participate in all three days of activities.  
• Submit one written paper per team.  
• Present the final project with their team.  
• Submit a self-reflection after the Challenge.  

Important note: Grading for the course will be based on S (satisfactory) or NS (unsatisfactory). Students must be present for the entire duration of the competition to receive the microcredit. 

Please read through the FAQ below, or join one of our information sessions to learn more about the challenge, ask your questions, and hear testimonials from participants of previous editions. These sessions are designed to help you better understand the challenge and its potential benefits.

Links to register for the optional information session:

• dates to be confirmed shortly

Take advantage of this opportunity to clear your doubts and prepare for this unique challenge! 

More questions? Reach out to [email protected].