Mike Harcourt to Lead United Way Public Policy Institute

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - June 28, 2011) - Former BC premier Mike Harcourt will be joined by four public policy experts to present sessions at a public policy institute launched by United Way of the Lower Mainland earlier this year.

The nonprofit, nonpartisan institute is the first of its kind in British Columbia. Joining Harcourt to present sessions in 2012 are:

• Dr. Liz Whynot, former president of BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre
• Brenda Eaton, chair, BC Housing Management Commission and former Deputy Minister to BC Premier Gordon Campbell; former BC Deputy Minister in Finance and Treasury Board, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, and Social Services
• Elizabeth Cull, former BC Minister of Health, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance and Corporate Relations
• Ida Goodreau, former president and CEO Vancouver Coastal Health.

This unique learning opportunity is designed for non-profit organizations grappling with dynamic challenges in social and health services, and, for individuals eager to help change the future by shaping public policy. Participants will be mentored on an applied project targeting a public policy issue strategically relevant to their organizations.

Sessions will be delivered once a month over a two-day period between January and June 2012. This program is open to participants from across the province. Tuition, accommodation and travel expenses will be subsidized.

With only 25 participants selected, space is limited. Visit www.uwlm.ca/ppi for more information, or to apply. Application deadline: Sept. 30, 2011.

To learn more, contact Yves Trudel at ppi@uwlm.ca