Policy analysis is a growing field in Canada. With governments at all levels seeking expert advice on policy decisions, the demand for qualified policy analysts is rising. This article will explore the role of policy analysts, the job outlook, education requirements, and salaries for careers in policy analysis across Canada.
What is a Policy Analyst?
A policy analyst is a researcher who studies and evaluates government policies and programs. Their role is to provide objective advice to government decision makers on the development, implementation, and evaluation of public policy. Policy analysts conduct research and analysis on social, economic, regulatory, and other issues to help inform government policy and program decisions. They make recommendations based on their expertise and research findings.
The main responsibilities of a policy analyst include:
- Researching policy issues and collecting data
- Assessing the costs, benefits, risks, and impacts of policy options
- Writing reports, briefs, and presentations for government decision makers
- Consulting and collaborating with stakeholders inside and outside government
- Monitoring and evaluating existing government policies and programs
- Staying up-to-date on political, economic, and social issues affecting policy
Policy analysts work in fields like economics, sociology, political science, statistics, engineering, law, health sciences, education, and environmental studies. They are employed across all levels of government as well as consulting firms, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, and more.
What is the Job Outlook for Policy Analysts in Canada?
The job outlook for policy analysts in Canada is very strong. According to the Government of Canada’s job bank, over the 2019-2028 period, the employment growth rate for policy analysts is projected to be extremely high at +19.8%. That is over 5x higher than the national occupational average growth rate. It ranks policy analysis among the top 15 fastest growing occupations in Canada.
This high growth is fueled by increased demand for policy expertise and analysis across sectors. As governments and organizations grapple with complex policy issues, economic changes, social needs, technological impacts, environmental concerns, and demographic shifts, the role of policy analysts will continue rising in importance.
Top Provinces and Industries for Policy Analyst Jobs
The top three provinces with the highest level of employment for policy analysts are:
- Ontario – employs 41% of policy analysts in Canada
- Quebec – employs 22% of policy analysts
- Alberta – employs 12% of policy analysts
These three provinces contain over 75% of all policy analyst jobs. The federal government is another major employer for policy professionals across the country.
The top industries hiring policy analysts in Canada are:
- Federal government
- Provincial and territorial governments
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Healthcare and social assistance
- Educational services
What Education is Required to Become a Policy Analyst?
A master’s degree is generally required for most policy analyst roles. Common graduate programs include public policy, public administration, economics, political science, sociology, and law. Quantitative skills in statistics, research methods, and data analysis are highly sought after.
Undergraduate degrees such as economics, political science, statistics, or sociology can offer a foundation. However, a master’s degree will provide more advanced analytical skills for a policy analyst career.
Some employers may hire candidates with bachelor’s degrees who demonstrate exceptional research, writing, critical thinking, and quantitative abilities. However, a graduate degree remains the standard credential for entry-level policy analyst positions.
Other Important Skills and Qualifications
In addition to educational credentials, some key skills and qualifications for policy analysts include:
- Critical thinking – able to assess policy issues from all perspectives
- Research skills – able to gather and analyze data effectively
- Communication – present ideas clearly in writing and presentations
- Collaboration – work closely with diverse stakeholders
- Objectivity – provide impartial policy recommendations
- Organizational skills – handle multiple projects and deadlines
What is the Salary for Policy Analysts in Canada?
According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, the median annual salary for policy analysts across Canada is $83,198. Salaries can vary based on factors like education, experience, sector, and location.
Province | Median Annual Salary |
---|---|
Ontario | $85,697 |
Alberta | $101,699 |
Quebec | $70,794 |
British Columbia | $72,909 |
As shown in the table, salaries for policy analysts can vary significantly by province. Alberta offers the highest median pay, followed by Ontario. Quebec and BC have lower median salaries for policy analysts compared to the national median.
Salary Range for Entry-Level vs. Senior Policy Roles
For entry-level policy analyst positions, salaries generally range from $55,000 to $65,000 annually. With several years of experience, policy analysts can earn between $75,000 to $95,000. In senior level, specialized or management roles, policy analyst salaries range from $95,000 to $120,000 and above.
Working for the federal government tends to provide higher pay than the nonprofit sector. Consulting firms also offer higher salaries but may require more extensive travel and longer work hours. In general, pay rises steadily with years of policy experience and leadership roles.
Job Outlook for Policy Analysts by Province
Here is a more detailed look at the job outlook specifically for policy analysts in the top provinces for employment:
Ontario
Policy analyst job growth in Ontario from 2019-2028 is projected to be very strong at +18.5%. The Ontario government has major policy initiatives underway in health care, education, infrastructure, technology, and more. This requires extensive input and analysis from qualified policy professionals. Major think tanks like the Mowat Centre also employ policy analysts in Ontario.
Quebec
Quebec’s policy analyst job growth projections are extremely high at +24.1% from 2019 to 2028. Policy analysts are in demand to support the provincial government’s initiatives like immigration reform, climate strategy, economic development, healthcare access, and education funding. Montreal think tanks such as the Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP) also employ analysts.
Alberta
Alberta has strong demand for policy expertise within its provincial government, which is managing transitions in energy policy, environmental regulations, and economic diversification. However, projections for 2019-2028 policy analyst job growth in Alberta are more modest than other provinces at +9.2%. Opportunities still exist, but competition may be stiffer than other regions.
Entry-Level Policy Analyst Jobs
For recent graduates looking to begin a policy analyst career, some tips and strategies include:
- Consider short-term internships or contract roles to get experience
- Target smaller nonprofits focused on your policy interests
- Join professional associations like the Canadian Association for Policy Analysis (CAPPA)
- Attend conferences and events to network with potential employers
- Enhance technical skills through coursework in data analysis, research methods, economics, and statistics
- Build a strong portfolio highlighting research projects and published reports/papers
Entry-level policy analysts will gain responsibilities and move into more advanced roles as they gain hands-on experience and develop their expertise. Patience, persistence, and continually expanding your skill-set are keys to career advancement.
Conclusion
Policy analysis is a promising and fast-growing career field across Canada. All levels of government, as well as NGOs, think tanks, and consulting firms, are seeking qualified analysts to better inform policy decisions. The job outlook is strong, salaries are competitive, and new graduates have multiple pathways to start their policy careers. With sound analytical expertise and the right blend of research, communication, and critical thinking skills, policy analysts can have a meaningful impact while building a rewarding career centred on evidence-based policymaking.