The re-education of Russell Copeman | The Link
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November 11, 2008 NEWS
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The re-education of Russell Copeman Former Liberal MNA joins Concordia as VP government relations by PALOMA FRIEDMAN
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Former Quebec National Assembly member Russell Copeman announced his retirement from politics on Oct. 22, after 14 years of public service. The former Liberal MNA for Notre-Dame-de-Grace graduated from McGill with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and from Concordia with a graduate degree in Public Administration. When Concordia offered Copeman the position of associate vice-president (government relations), Copeman could not resist the opportunity to go back to school.
Vol 29, Issue 13
The Link: Welcome to Concordia. How has the transition from
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politician to university official been so far?
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Russell Copeman: Thank you. I think it’s going well. I say to people, this is the first time I’ve changed jobs in 14 years, so there’s a necessary period of adaptation that’s happening. But I’m very excited to be here. This is a very dynamic and interesting place. I’m working with a lot of smart people.
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Log in You had said in interviews that you were tired of politics. Was that the main factor in deciding to come to Concordia? In my view, doing the job of an elected official well requires 100 per cent commitment and requires a […] fire in
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the belly or “feu sacré.” I felt in the last year or so that the level of commitment had slipped somewhat, and that I couldn’t in all conscience, given this wonderful opportunity, commit to another four years. I wasn’t actively looking for a new job, but this opportunity arose. How is this job different from a parliamentary position? I view my role as a mirror of the university to various government officials. In order to do that, I need to understand how the university works, what it does, what its strengths are. I’ve been taking the first couple of weeks to try to do that. Very clearly my knowledge and contacts at various government levels will be put to good use on behalf of Concordia. Fundamentally it’s different in the sense that I’m now a private citizen. I don’t have to respond to 42,000 electors and 60,000 constituents. Well, you do have to respond to 40,000 students. Absolutely, but it’s a very different dynamic. I’ve rediscovered a private life that one does not have as an elected official. I’ve been putting in long hours at the university and will continue to do so, but it’s quite novel to go home at night and sleep in my own bed. I’ve been taking the shuttle bus. I live near Loyola, so to be able to get to work in about 20 minutes using a form of mass transit is a significant improvement in my quality of life. Do students and staff aboard the shuttle bus know who you are? Some do, I’ve been walking around campus a little bit to try to get a flavour and a feel for the university. I’ve been stopped by a couple of students—some friends of my son’s who recognize me, some staff people. Politicians are
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11/17/08 7:25 PM
The re-education of Russell Copeman | The Link
http://www.thelinknewspaper.ca/articles/509
not rock stars. We don’t generate the same buzz. But one does get used to the look, that little double take. So far, it’s mostly been, “Welcome to Concordia.” Having worked within the provincial government, what challenges do you think you will face in dealing with your former colleagues to fulfill your mandate? The same challenges that Concordia and other sister universities face: maintaining quality education, attracting and retaining professors, the financial support for universities, and the funding of research. My very intimate knowledge of the government and contacts will be helpful. Login or register to post comments
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11/17/08 7:25 PM