Ep 9: People Behind the Policy - Conversations on Politics, Community, and Parenthood

Ellen Kushnick pulls back the curtain on Canadian politics with rare candor, sharing insights from her years as a strategic powerhouse on Parliament Hill. From the adrenaline rush of managing swing riding campaigns to the delicate art of crafting policy that truly serves communities, her stories reveal how meaningful political change actually happens.

The conversation takes us through Ellen's most powerful career moments, including her work developing mental health strategies for first responders and advocating for First Nations communities. Human connections, Ellen argues, are what ultimately create effective policy.

As both a mother and political staffer, Ellen navigated the demanding 24/7 world of politics while raising young children. She describes the pivotal moment when her daughter's teacher didn't recognize her at school pickup, prompting her to reevaluate her priorities and seek a career that offered a better work life balance. This balance became central to her work with Moms at Work, where she now advocates and has conversations with others about creating workplaces that support women's career advancements while acknowledging family responsibilities.

Ellen offers a nuanced perspective on how technology and social media have transformed Canadian politics—democratizing voices while simultaneously creating echo chambers that prevent meaningful dialogue. For those considering careers in politics or policy, her advice is refreshingly direct: jump in and learn by doing, as the hands-on experience reveals strengths you might not even know you have.

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