When I first joined Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin (Habitat HMD) as the Government & Public Relations Coordinator through the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program, I expected to gain professional experience while contributing to a meaningful cause. What I didn’t expect was just how deeply this role would shape the way I think about policy, equity, and public service.
As a Juris Doctor candidate, I spent the last academic year immersed in case law, legal theory, and exploring the different ways I can use my legal training to drive systems-level change. But this summer, my advocacy has taken a different shape. I’ve helped organize political tours of our ReStores and build sites, tracked key housing legislation and government programs, and drafted policy briefings that speak to affordable housing issues across Ontario. I’ve seen first-hand how legislative decisions directly influence the capacity of social enterprises, particularly nonprofits like Habitat, to respond to urgent community needs, and how critical government relations is in making sure those voices are heard by policymakers.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the role has been seeing how organizations like Habitat HMD bridge the gap between people on the ground and decision-makers in government. Whether it’s preparing a backgrounder for a visiting MP or highlighting how federal investments like the Canada Summer Jobs program support both youth employment and nonprofit service delivery, I’ve learned that advancing meaningful policy change takes more than legal knowledge. It takes clear communication, strong relationships, and an understanding of how to work collaboratively across sectors.
This role was part of the Strategic Partnerships and Community Relations Department, led by Jackie Isada, and it provided a unique opportunity to develop high-impact advocacy skills while working alongside a team dedicated to building community-led solutions. The Canada Summer Jobs program made this role, and many others like it, possible. As Habitat HMD continues to advocate for ongoing funding and program support, my experience has underscored how essential programs like CSJ are in creating pathways for young people to develop their skills and contribute to their communities.
This experience has also deepened my understanding of housing as a human right and the legal and systemic barriers that many communities face in realizing that right. As someone who was born and raised in Halton, contributing to a mission that directly impacts families in my hometown has made this work even more personal, and it has reminded me that impactful legal work doesn’t always happen in courtrooms, it often starts in communities, with people advocating for one another and building solutions from the ground up.
I’m incredibly grateful to the Habitat HMD team and the Canada Summer Jobs program for making this opportunity possible. Not only have I developed real-world skills in policy research, but I’ve also come to see the value of legislative work that is grounded in practicality, accessibility, and responsiveness to real people’s needs.
Interested in joining next year’s CSJ team at Habitat HMD? Stay connected with us on social media or visit our website to learn more about youth opportunities that combine purpose with professional development.
By: Cassandra Doria, Government & Public Relations Coordinator, Summer Student