Students in the inaugural cohort of the Master of Political Management hosted the First Annual Riddell Program Reception on April 2 at the Rideau Club. David McLaughlin, former chief of staff to Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord, and current Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty, delivered an address reflecting on the changing role of political staffers. TVOntario’s Steve Paikin then moderated a discussion that included panelists Eddie Goldenberg, chief of staff to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, Anne McGrath, chief of staff to NDP leader Jack Layton, and Rick Anderson, a former Liberal who went on to become national campaign director for the Reform Party, and who currently teaches in the Riddell Program.
The event drew students, faculty and figures from Parliament Hill, including former Speaker of the House of Commons Peter Milliken. It was organized by Ihor Korbabicz, Chris Waterston, Matthew Burbidge and Nicholas MacDonald.