JSGS students feature research at national conference

Montreal, QC. - Held August 18-21, The Institute of Public Administration of Canada Canadian (IPAC) 65^th annual conference brought together public administrators from across Canada – including system decision-makers and policy-makers – to discuss why and in what areas and ways governments must reinvent themselves.

First-place winners: Ryan Mang, Colleen Quinlan, Olga Gerry and Robyn Passmore, of the third annual JSGS Policy Research Poster Competition 2013 IPAC Thought Leadership Award had their research featured at this conference. In recognition of this achievement, one of the group members traveled to Montreal and presented their poster entitled,Improving Childhood Immunization Coverage Rates.

“We are really excited to have our work recognized by such a diverse group of public administration professionals” said group member and MPA recipient, Ryan Mang.  The poster that he presented at the IPAC conference looks at innovative approaches Saskatchewan could take to increase immunization coverage rates in two year old children. The research examines the impact of three policy approaches to increasing immunization, namely: education and promotion; legislation; and patient incentives.  It goes on to recommend seriously examining the innovative policy lessons to be drawn from Australia’s incentive program, which leads to increased immunization rates and health equity as well as lower overall health system costs.

As an individual who has a background in social work and human services, Ryan’s passion for health equity and health policy extend beyond his experiences as a student.

“I would like to thank the faculty for this unique opportunity,” said Mang. “This experience has increased my passion for healthcare policy as well as allowing me to learn from and engage with my peers at a national level.”