Change is the law of life and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future. ~ John F Kennedy
Just hours after our final task force presentations on three important and diverse urban policy topics, it was fitting that we gathered together at the foundation of our National Parliament. This was a bittersweet moment of accomplishment. After eight months of discussions with stakeholders across the country, a public dialogue, countless hours of task force meetings, conference calls, report revisions and presentation practice, we proudly and successfully unveiled our recommendations. However there was a sense of finality in doing so; we had come to the end of our fellowship year.
Individuals as diverse as our vast country, we embarked on a collaborative policymaking process focused on issues facing major Canadian cities. Throughout our journey it became clear that each city faced challenges reflective of their geographic and cultural regions. Presenting recommendations sensitive to a Canada-wide perspective was daunting. However a common thread was the importance of civic engagement and leadership within a community. Urbanist Jane Jacobs observed that, “Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody”. In adding to the policy conversation, we are contributing to the future of our cities. Our varied regional perspectives and divergent professional backgrounds enriched our policy recommendations.
While this may be the end of the fellowship year, it is only the beginning of our contribution. With eyes high we move forward from this foundation; carrying the connections, friendships, advice, lessons and experiences with us. Together through our dialogues, our leadership and our community engagement, we are certain not to miss the future.
-Jennifer Zwicker, ’14
