Harper’s former chief of staff gives public affairs talk

The former chief of staff for Stephen Harper spoke at the University of Lethbridge ahead of the federal Conservative Party convention in Calgary next week.

Ian Brodie served as Harper’s chief of staff from 2006 to 2008.

He was also part of the senior team that helped to create the modern Conservative Party of Canada.

Now, as a professor, he’s trying to give insight to future public affairs professionals.

One of Brodie’s biggest talking points is on figuring out how to take what you’ve learned in the classroom and apply it within working life.

“It is, as you know, a tough job market for our students these days,” he said.

“Employers are looking for very focused job market skills, and the University of Lethbridge has always been very good.

“The students in the faculty of arts have gone on to lots of careers in government and in public affairs and the public service generally.”

Brodie’s talk was part of the university’s Poli(cy) Pipeline Series, which looks to connect U of L students with public service experts.

The Conservative Party convention in Calgary runs from Jan. 29 to 31.