ABOUT

CAPPA

For the past 40 years, CAPPA has been the leading Canadian association for those with an interest in education and scholarship in public administration. It is an institutional membership organization with approximately 25 graduate and undergraduate program members across Canada all of which are involved in public administration teaching and research.

Annual Conference

The conference brings together Canadian and international scholars from various disciplines sharing an interest in public management, public administration and/or public policy analysis issues.

Case Competition

It is designed to highlight the excellence of Canadian public administration programs and students, and to provide a valuable learning experience for students. Canadian universities that have programs in public administration may compete.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a voluntary, nongovernmental process involving a rigorous external review of a program conducted by peers to ensure that the program meets a standard of excellence that provides a high quality of education for students.

Awards

CAPPA celebrates excellence in the teaching of public administration with the annual DeCelles award, Kernaghan Award for Excellence in Research and outstanding student achievements with the NSTLA co-sponsored with IPAC.

The 14th Annual CAPPA Conference

Revaluing public action: the quiet excellence of public administrations

May 20 and 21, 2026

Hosted by University of Ottawa

2026 Annual conference information


The annual CAPPA Conference brings together scholars and students of public administration, public policy, and public management to consider new developments affecting teaching, research, and practice.

Location

In person, at University of Ottawa.

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Panel proposals

Panel proposals consist of three or four individual presentations focusing on a common theme.  Proposals can offer theoretical or methodological perspectives, or both, and be submitted by one individual on behalf of the full panel. The submission should include a short description, including:

1. the title and overall theme of the panel (150 words maximum);

2. an abstract for each paper/presentation in the panel (250 words maximum);

3. the names/ institutional affiliation/ position/ brief bio of the panel members (100 words maximum).

Individual paper proposals

Individual paper proposals are evaluated based on the significance and quality of the research question, design, methods, data (where appropriate), and implications. They should include:

1) an abstract (maximum 250 words);

2) the names/institutional affiliation/position/brief bio of the researcher (maximum 100 words).

Call for Nominations – 2026 Kernaghan Award for Excellence in Research

The Kenneth Kernaghan Award for Excellence in Research is for career achievement in research by a faculty member who is part of the Canadian public administration community as evidenced by being appointed at a Canadian university or college program that…

Call for Nominations – 2026 DeCelles Award for Excellence in Public Administration Teaching

The Pierre DeCelles Award for Excellence in Teaching Public Administration is aimed at excellent mid- or late-career post-secondary teachers in the field of public administration and recognizes the outstanding skill, accomplishment, innovation, and commitment of an exceptionally creative and effective…

Annual CAPPA Conference 2026 | Extended submission date

14th Annual CAPPA Conference The Call for Proposals has been extended until December 7, 2025! Theme: Revaluing Public Action: The Quiet Excellence of Public Administration Dates: May 20–21, 2026 Location: University of Ottawa Submit your proposal by using the online form available…

Partners and Affiliates

Canadian Political Science Association The Hubert Project European Association for Public Administration Accreditation International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration The Institute of Public Administration of Canada Canada School of Public Service Institute for Research on Public Policy Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration