For immediate distribution – February 4, 2016
Montreal – The Institute for Research on Public Policy is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Ditchburn as editor-in-chief of Policy Options.
An award-winning parliamentary correspondent, Ditchburn is one of Canada’s best-known and most respected analysts of politics and public policy. She brings to Policy Options two decades of experience covering the public debates that shaped the country, and a deep understanding of the complexity of the policy issues facing governments.
“I am delighted to welcome Jennifer to the Institute,” said IRPP President Graham Fox. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a unique ability to get to the heart of the story and an unwavering commitment to journalism as public service. Those values are critical to the success of Policy Options as it continues to establish itself as the premier online forum for thoughtful policy debate.”
Ditchburn began her journalism career in Montreal in 1995, as a reporter-editor for the Canadian Press. She went on to work in the agency’s Toronto and Edmonton bureaus, landing in the nation’s capital in 1997. Ditchburn made the leap to television in 2001 as a national reporter for the CBC, filing reports and participating in live broadcasts from across the country and abroad. She returned to the Canadian Press in 2006.
Ditchburn is a three-time National Newspaper Award winner. In 2015, she was honoured with the prestigious Charles Lynch Award for outstanding coverage of national issues. That same year, she was named one of the ten most influential Hispanic-Canadians.
She has been a frequent contributor to television and radio public affairs programs, including the CBC’s “At Issue” panel, Power and Politics, and The Current. She holds a bachelor of arts from Concordia University, and a master of journalism from Carleton University.
“I am thrilled to join the dedicated team at Policy Options and the Institute. The magazine is a positive, creative space where meaningful policy conversations take place,” said Ditchburn. “I look forward to fostering that intelligent exchange of ideas, and ensuring that the magazine remains a must-read for Canadians who care about public policy.”
Under her leadership, Policy Options will continue to expand its presence in digital space and bring new and different voices to the public square. It will continue to innovate in its use of new technologies to better inform policy debates, and will strive in all ways to reflect the diversity of Canada.
Her appointment is effective March 7, 2016.
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The Institute for Research on Public Policy is an independent, national, bilingual, not-for-profit organization based in Montreal. To receive updates from the IRPP, please subscribe to our e-mail list.
Media Contact: Shirley Cardenas 514-594-6877 scardenas@nullirpp.org
