JSGS students compete in the 2025 internal case competition
The Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy (JSGS) hosted its annual Case Competition on November 7, bringing together students in public policy to tackle Saskatchewan’s housing affordability and infrastructure gaps.
By Benjamin Frietag
This year’s case placed participants inside a mock high-stakes meeting involving the Saskatchewan Ministries of Government Relations, Social Services and SaskBuilds and Procurement, where senior officials debated how to respond to a growing housing crisis.
Students were asked to develop a coordinated provincial strategy addressing skyrocketing housing prices, aging infrastructure, and climate resilience—all while ensuring equity for Indigenous communities and fiscal responsibility. The scenario highlighted issues such as rental vacancy rates at historic lows, rural infrastructure deficits, and the need to align housing development with climate adaptation goals.
Teams had two hours to analyze the case and prepare actionable proposals. Each team presented their recommendations in a 10-minute pitch, followed by a Q&A session with our judges acting as deputy ministers.
Thanks to Arla Cameron, Cameron Symon and Sheldon Green for their thoughtful questions and for selecting the winning team.
“Students were given two hours to solve a problem that is complex and decades in the making. The case was similar to meetings I was in during my career in the public service," Sheldon Green, Director of JSGS Executive Education.
Congratulations to the winning team:
- Bernice Manu
- David Nnamdi
- Emma Raichuk
- Imrul Chowdhury
The JSGS Case Competition continues to be a cornerstone event, fostering critical thinking and practical problem-solving skills among future public policy leaders.
Participants from the local competition will be considered for the national team representing JSGS later this winter, selected by our outstanding coaches Colten Goertz and Nancy Carlson.