The Clayton H. Riddell Graduate Program in Political Management is pleased to announce the appointment of four new fellows for three-year terms. Each of the new fellows brings extensive practical political experience to the program.
Melissa Bruno is national director of the New Democratic Party of Canada. She has worked in the office of the late Jack Layton, when he was leader of the NDP, and has served as chief of staff to NDP leader Jagmeet Singh when he was deputy leader of Ontario’s New Democratic Party. She holds a degree in social work from York University and a post-graduate certificate in publicity and public relations from the University of Toronto
Alayne Crawford is director of corporate affairs at Shaw Communications and vice president of the Government Relations Institute of Canada. In the Stephen Harper government, she worked in the Prime Minister’s Office and in the office of the minister of employment and social development. Ms. Crawford was awarded the Top 30 under 30 Award by PR in Canada, the leading publication of the Canadian public relations industry. She holds an Executive MBA from Queen’s University.
Matt Laberge is an economics and policy consultant. He has served as chief economist (acting) at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and as director of policy to Jean-Yves Duclos, minister of families, children and social development. Mr. Laberge holds a Master of Science degree in international economics and econometrics from the University of Nottingham and an MBA from Cornell and Queen’s Universities.
Dustin Van Vugt is executive director of the Conservative Party of Canada. He has worked in many political offices, including as Chief of Staff to two federal Cabinet ministers. He has extensive campaign experience, working for a variety of candidates across North America, ranging from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Randy Hillier. Mr. Van Vugt has worked several times in the campaign war room of the federal Conservative Party. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Calgary.
Fellows contribute to the Riddell Political Management program in a variety of ways, such as giving guest lectures, mentoring students, and advising the program committee.
For more information, contact Stephen Azzi, associate professor and program director, Clayton H. Riddell Graduate Program in Political Management, stephen.azzi@carleton.ca