SPPDI Champions
Our Deputy Minister Champions play a crucial role in linking our programs, students and initiatives with real-world public policy challenges and pathways to public service careers. They foster relationships between the Public Service and universities to identify common priorities, coordinate and advocate for pertinent research and raise awareness of public service career opportunities.
Federal Deputy Minister Champion
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Mala Khanna, the Government of Canada's Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Governance), Privy Council Office, serves as TMU's federal Deputy Minister Champion. She serves on the SPPDI Advisory Board, is the champion of building relationships between SPPDI and the Government of Canada and works with SPPDI to connect graduate students with opportunities in the federal public service.
Khanna has served in a variety of executive roles including Associate Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage; Assistant Deputy Minister, Global Affairs Canada; Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet (Parliamentary Affairs), Privy Council Office; and Deputy Assistant Deputy Minister, Public Law and Legislative Services Sector in the Department of Justice. She holds a BA from the University of Alberta and an LLB and Masters of Social Work from McGill University. She brings a diversity of perspectives and experiences to her role as our federal Deputy Minister Champion and to SPPDI's focus on the next generation of public policy and democracy leaders in Canada.
Ontario Deputy Minister Champion
Shannon Fuller serves as the Deputy Minister of Policy and Delivery at the Cabinet Office and Associate Secretary of the Cabinet. Recently appointed as the Ontario Public Service (OPS) Deputy Minister University Champion at TMU, Shannon is tasked with bridging academia and public service. Fuller fosters collaboration between TMU and OPS, identifying shared priorities, promoting relevant research, and showcasing career opportunities within the public sector. With a passion for engaging with students, she aims to support them through every stage of their educational journey.
Fuller has held positions at the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs, Cabinet Office Communications and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. She holds a specialized honours degree in Public Policy and Administration from York University and a Masters in Public Administration from University of Victoria. She brings a wealth of experience in post-secondary education and understands the potential students and faculty hold in contributing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to public service.