Policy Leadership Briefs Program
Where it Started
In advance of the 2023 provincial election, the Centre for Health Policy (CHP) launched the Alberta 2023 Policy Brief Series to strengthen public dialogue on key health issues shaping the political agenda. With topics ranging from rural health care to child and youth mental health, the series combined academic expertise with community engagement and was intentionally designed to build capacity in policy writing, knowledge mobilization, and public engagement.
The impact was immediate and far-reaching: briefs informed government discussions, sparked new community initiatives, and provided participants with practical skills that continue to shape their policy-focused work. The momentum and success of this initiative revealed a clear need for an ongoing platform to mentor researchers, amplify community voices, and ensure evidence and lived experience inform health policy in Alberta.
The Policy Leadership Briefs Program Now
The Policy Leadership Briefs Program is now a continuing platform that brings researchers, clinicians, and community partners together around major health policy themes. Each cycle provides structured mentorship, training, and communications support. The result is accessible, actionable policy briefs that influence decision-making and strengthen Alberta’s health system.
Current series include:
- 2025 Social Innovation Series – Showcasing community-driven interventions that address health inequities and support vulnerable populations
- 2025/26 Women’s Health Series – Advancing innovative policy solutions to improve women’s health outcomes and health service delivery across the lifespan
Each program cycle follows a structured process:
- Invite Expressions of Interest (EOIs): The Centre invites proposals for policy briefs on a selected theme.
- Select EOIs: A specialized editorial board will review EOIs and contact selected applicants to develop their briefing.
- Provide Mentorship & Training: Participants work with a policy mentor, attend workshops, and access writing, design, and communications support. and receive step-by-step support from the Centre including writing, graphic design, communications and dissemination support.
- Develop Briefs: Teams prepare policy briefs and lay summaries, reviewed for clarity, rigor, and accessibility.
- Share Outcomes: Briefs are shared with policymakers, health leaders, and the public through publications, events, and media outreach.
Check back soon for our next Call for EOIs.
- Explore the 2023 Policy Brief Series to see where it began.
- Join our email list to stay up to date on future series, events, and opportunities to participate.