Social Policy and Health
The goal of our Social Policy and Health program is to improve the lives of Canadians by employing an objective, evidence-based approach to assessing existing and proposed public policies. Our goal is to identify practical solutions that cut through rhetoric designed to polarize debate and freeze policymakers into inaction. We apply this approach to programs in two policy areas:
Health and Social Policy Collaborative
The Health and Social Policy Collaborative is a joint initiative between the Centre for Health Policy (CHP) and the School of Public Policy (SPP) at the University of Calgary, bringing together a diverse group of transdisciplinary researchers with shared expertise and interest in health and social policy. This collaborative aims to bridge the gap between academia and community action by fostering partnerships that demonstrate how researchers and community groups can co-create impactful, evidence-informed solutions to complex social and health challenges. By combining rigorous research with practical, community-driven insights, the Health and Social Policy Collaborative strives to advance policies that promote equity, health, and social well-being across Alberta and beyond.
The Health and Social Policy Collaborative has already launched its first pilot project, building on the long-standing partnerships that both the CHP and the SPP have developed with the Imagine Citizens Network. This initiative aims to understand what matters most to Albertans about their health and healthcare. A knowledge synthesis project, designed to respect and build upon the work already completed in this field, has been completed. The next phase involves gathering diverse perspectives from communities across the province, ensuring that policy recommendations are informed by the real-world experiences and priorities of Albertans. By working closely with the Imagine Citizens Network, the Collaborative is committed to co-creating knowledge that can inform responsive, citizen-centered health policies that address the needs and values of all Albertans
Scientific Director, Social Policy and Health: Ronald Kneebone: kneebone@ucalgary.ca
Program Director, Health Policy: Jennifer Zwicker: zwicker1@ucalgary.ca
Associate Director of Research, Health Policy: Myles Leslie: myles.leslie@ucalgary.ca
Research Associates, Social Policy:
Robert Falconer: robert.falconer1@ucalgary.ca
Ali Jadidzadeh: ajadidza@ucalgary.ca
Margarita Wilkins: mgres@ucalgary.ca
Research Associates, Health Policy:
Brittany Finlay: brittany.finlay1@ucalgary.ca
Ken Fyie: kenneth.fyie@ucalgary.ca
Ash Seth: ashish.seth@ucalgary.ca
Research Coordinator, Health Policy:
Christiane Roth: christiane.roth@ucalgary.ca
Research Assistants, Health Policy:
Genevieve Currie: margaretgenevieve.cu@ucalgary.ca
Sean Yang: xiaoyangsean.jia@ucalgary.ca
Tori Wright: victoria.wright1@ucalgary.ca
Postdoctoral Scholars, Health Policy:
Erin McCabe: erin.mccabe@ucalgary.ca
Stephanie Chipeur: stephanie.chipeur1@ucalgary.ca