I've closely worked with two teams in the Automotive, Transportation, Digital & Industry Skills Branch at ISED: Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) and Connected & Automated Vehicles (CAVs).
Disclaimer: I am legally not allowed to share materials that I've produced as they are owned by the Government of Canada.
My main tasks were greatly centered around policy research and analysis. I conducted a medium-sized research project titled "CAVs legislation: Jurisdiction Scan". In this project, based on intricate yet high-level analysis of legislations in other countries, I've developed recommendations for the Government of Canada on what to consider in the ongoing and future process of CAVs policies implementation.
In addition, in line with Canada's vision for a green and electrified future, I've taken a deep dive into researching tools like Lifecycle Assessments (LCAs) and Border Carbon Adjustments (BCAs).
I've also been acquainted with the process of writing correspondence. Correspondence is simply a letter that public servants write as a response to recommendations or concerns from constituents from many different provinces.
I've refined and improved my MS Excel and wider quantitative skills through repetitive yet rewarding tasks related to the department budget. My qualitative and writing skills were greatly utilized in the process of proofreading enormous documents (that would be later shared to the public) pertaining to the different tenets of Canada's electrified future.
Ultimately, I am grateful for this position to have been my first co-op. Policy work is at the intersection of both of my degrees, Economics and International Relations, and has always been a career path of interest. I have learned, first hand, of the intricacies and the tireless work that goes into long term policy work. While bureaucratic environments could feel limiting or stagnant, ISED's futuristic vision and its highly impressive employees opened my eyes to the impactful ways in which I could apply my degrees in a life as a public servant.
Learning Significance