A team of Mount Allison University students from the Frank McKenna School of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) has captured first place for the second consecutive year at the Atlantic Undergraduate Policy Case Competition held recently at St. Francis Xavier University.
The winning team included Emily Pachell, Jack Pemberton, Mae Ward, and Hinke Younger.  They impressed the judges with their pitch titled “An Atlantic Regional Transmission Organization: Fostering Canadian Self-Sufficiency Through Grid Regionalization.” The policy tackled the complicated challenge of regional energy collaboration in Atlantic Canada and was recognized for its depth of analysis, clarity, and professional delivery.

“I could not have been prouder of this exceptional group of students and their faculty mentors who represented Mount Allison so well,” says Dr. Richard Isnor, Provost and Vice-President, Academic and Research. “Their thoughtful teamwork and the resulting winning pitch reflect the strength of our PPE program and the collaborative spirit of our campus community.”

The Mount Allison team earned a unanimous decision from all four judges and received a $1,200 cash prize, sponsored by the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University.

Faculty mentors Dr. Carla VanBeselaere and Dr. Mario Lesveque from the McKenna School provided guidance and support throughout the competition.

“Hinke, Emily, Jack, and Mae did an amazing job presenting their proposed policy and answering the judges’ questions,” says VanBeselaere. “One of the judges [remarked] that their written submission was very well done as it answered any questions that arose.”

Levesque says the competition is an excellent opportunity for students to directly apply what they learned in their classes to a key public policy issue.

“This includes key research and critical thinking skills to presentation and teamwork skills for which our programs in economics, politics and philosophy prepare students well,” he says. 

The Atlantic Undergraduate Policy Case Competition was created last year by students in Mount Allison’s PPE program, including one of this year’s winning team members, Hinke Younger. The competition brings together students from across the region to apply policy analysis, critical thinking, and communication skills to real-world challenges.

Mount Allison’s continued success in this event highlights the McKenna School’s commitment to developing future leaders who are ready to shape thoughtful, evidence-based public policy in Canada and beyond.

Fine out more about Mount Allison’s McKenna School of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics.