Seneca College course brings the experience and insight of seasoned professionals to political staff

Guest lecturers represent different perspectives and political points of view

TORONTO, Jan. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - Seneca College will offer multi-partisan training for political staff in Ontario on January 28, 29 and February 4, 5.

Seneca's Political Staff Essentials Course: By Practitioners for Practitioners will include a distinguished roster of guest lecturers from various parts of the political and public service spectrum who will share their experiences and insights with the next generation of political staff.

The multi-partisan program was developed by Hershell Ezrin, former Principal Secretary to the Premier and Chief of Staff to a Leader of the Opposition. The curriculum has been planned with the help of a panel of advisors including Denise Cole, Hon. Frances Lankin, David Lindsay, John Tory, David Tsubouchi, Peter Wilkinson and David Agnew, a group that reflects decades of experience in elected and staff roles in government and opposition.

"This program will provide participants with pragmatic, post-secondary training tailored to enhance political staff performance," said Ezrin. "With views and insights based on years of experience from guest lecturers representing every political perspective as well as key functions in the parliamentary system, participants will walk away with dynamic information to establish themselves as the best political staffers possible."

Guest lecturers will include:

Jeff Bangs, former Principal Secretary, Office of the Premier
Gerry Caplan, former Federal Party Secretary
Lynn Morrison, Ontario Integrity Commissioner
Steve Paikin, Host of The Agenda with Steve Paikin
Bob Richardson, former Chief of Staff to the Leader of Opposition
Jack Siegel, legal counsel on issues relating to election law
George Smitherman, former Deputy Premier
John Snobelen, former Minister of Education and Minister of Natural Resources

"This course is an example of what Seneca Colleges does best: providing a targeted, profession-specific course led by experts sharing their insights and experience with the next generation of leaders," said Seneca College President David Agnew.  "Political Essentials will help guide political staff in the important work they do in our democracy."

Spread over two weekends (Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), the course will cover topics that include:

• The working environment for political staff
• Needs and expectations of the elected official
• Function and roles of legislative and political staff
• Responsibilities within an ethical and legal context
• Reputation management

Register for the Political Staff Essentials Course: By Practitioners for Practitioners here or call 416-493-4144.

With 10 campuses across the Greater Toronto Area, Seneca offers degrees, diplomas and graduate certificates renowned for their quality and respected by employers. Combining the highest academic standards with practical, hands-on learning, expert teaching faculty and the latest technology ensures Seneca graduates are career-ready.

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Seneca College Media Relations 
416-491-5050 ext. 77018