October 3 / Deadline to apply for a student representative role on the IPAC NCR board

October 17 / Deadline to guarantee membership status to register for member-exclusive embassy events.

October 31 / Want to get involved with IPAC NCR? Apply to be part of our volunteer list for the 2025-26 season.

• Become a Student Representative of the IPAC NCR board! Email a copy of your CV and cover letter to enelson@uottawa.ca to apply.

• Join or renew your membership today!

• Get involved with IPAC as a volunteer!

If you had told me ten years ago that I’d be building a career as a public servant, I probably would’ve asked, “What’s a public servant?” Growing up, no one ever mentioned government work as a career path. I just knew I wanted to help people and give back to my community—so naturally, I assumed that meant becoming a doctor, nurse, or lawyer.

It wasn’t until I got involved in student government during my undergraduate studies that I discovered public service as a viable—and meaningful—career option. Friends and classmates began applying to Master of Public Administration programs, and since I wasn’t sure what direction to take, I decided to explore that path too.

That decision led me to Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where I enrolled in the Master of Public Administration program. I’ve never looked back. The experience opened my eyes to the incredible breadth and depth of work available in the public sector. It was also where I first encountered the Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC), attending events hosted by IPAC Nova Scotia. Halifax isn’t exactly known as a public service hub, so IPAC became a vital space for connecting with like-minded individuals who shared my passion for service.

Fast forward to today: I’m four years into what I hope will be a long and fulfilling career in the federal public service, now living in Ottawa—a city deeply rooted in public service culture. And yes, I’m still involved with IPAC. Moving to a new city was daunting, but I knew IPAC would help me build a network and find my footing. I was right.

For nearly five years, I’ve served on the IPAC National Capital Region (NCR) Group Board of Directors, taking on roles as Director-at-Large, Corporate Secretary, Vice-Chair, and now Chair. I stay involved because I want to ignite that same spark in others—to show them the possibilities that exist within public service. Whether you’re considering a career in government, just starting out, or already a seasoned public servant, IPAC-NCR offers dynamic programming, events, and networks tailored to your interests, professional growth, and career aspirations.

If you’re not yet a member of IPAC, I wholeheartedly encourage you to join. You never know—it might just change your life, the way it changed mine.

The IPAC-NCR Board is looking for general volunteers to support our upcoming events and initiatives in the chapter this year. This is a great opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects, gain hands-on experience, and connect with professionals across the public service community.

 We are especially seeking volunteers with photography experience to help capture moments at our events. (Photographers must have their own equipment.)

If you’re interested in supporting IPAC-NCR as a volunteer, please fill out the form.

Our Chair, Blair Jones, and Vice-Chair, Christopher Khaalid Scipio shared a message on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Read it here.