The 2025 winners of the essay contest were presented with their certificates at our annual Student, Alumni and Community Recognition Awards dinner on November 20, 2025, by School of Public Policy and Administration Director Professor Naomi Couto. The essay question was "How can Canadian public policy support youth engagement in democratic decision-making? Propose strategies that could empower young people to have a stronger voice in shaping Canada’s future." SPPA Undergraduate Program Director Professor Alena Kimakova and President of the Public Policy and Administration Student Association (PPASA) Ishvita Sharma gave a presentation and comments at the event.
Congratulations to the award winners!
First Prize Winner​
Danielle Munang | Grade 12​
Catholic Central High School
London, Ontario
From Observers to Co-Creators: Empowering Canadian Youth in Democratic Decision-Making (PDF)
Second Prize Winner​
Rais Ebrahim, Andrew Grignano, and Saahil Khaana | Grade 10​
Crescent School
Toronto, Ontario
Reimagining Youth Participation: Policy Pathways for a Stronger Democracy (PDF)
Third Prize Winner​
Paul Soganub | Grade 11​
Yellowknife, NWT
Youth Engagement in Democracy: A Path Forward for Canadian Public Policy (PDF)