In 2008, Michael MacMillan and Alison Loat met to discuss the question, "Shouldn't a country as blessed as Canada aspire to greater ambition in how we approach our public policy and public life?"

The answer, of course, was yes. The result was the formation of Samara.

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In 2008, Michael MacMillan and Alison Loat met to discuss the question, "Shouldn't a country as blessed as Canada aspire to greater ambition in how we approach our public policy and public life?"

The answer, of course, was yes. The result was the formation of Samara.

As they developed Samara, Michael and Alison interviewed several hundred people, from a variety of personal and professional backgrounds living across Canada and abroad.

These conversations helped focus their shared values and experiences, and strengthened their belief that in our country there is a desire for a public and political environment that allows us to better discuss and address national goals and challenges, as individuals, and through organizations and institutions.
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Samara is an independent, non-profit organization focused on three areas: political leadership, citizen participation, and the media's contribution to public affairs. Samara hopes to help create a more vibrant and collaborative environment for public service and leadership.

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Samara is an independent, non-profit organization focused on three areas: political leadership, citizen participation, and the media's contribution to public affairs. Samara hopes to help create a more vibrant and collaborative environment for public service and leadership.

Samara's overarching goal is to encourage activities that support a culture of public service. We appreciate the complexity and breadth of this goal, realize that it will be difficult at times, and require the effort of many. We also know that a long-term perspective and lots of patience is required. Change takes time and we are okay with that.
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Political leadership.
As part of our focus on strengthening political leadership, Samara is conducting a series of exit interviews with former Members of Parliament. Many organizations hold exit interviews with departing employees to gather feedback on how best to improve the experience of...
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Political leadership.
As part of our focus on strengthening political leadership, Samara is conducting a series of exit interviews with former Members of Parliament. Many organizations hold exit interviews with departing employees to gather feedback on how best to improve the experience of current and future employees. However, in Parliament, this is not a regular occurence. Interviews with former MPs from all political parties, and from across the country, are currently underway. Our findings will be released throughout 2010.


Public affairs journalism.
To support the media's contribution to public affairs journalism, Samara has partnered with the Massey College Canadian Journalism Fellowship, at the University of Toronto, to host lectures and discussions with some of the most experienced journalists from North America. Recently, Samara hosted Jim Brady, the former executive editor of the washingtonpost.com, to speak about covering politics and public affairs in a fast-evolving media environment.


Citizen participation.
We are currently creating a formal volunteer program that will invite citizens from across Canada to participate in our work. Details will follow. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us.
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