The Policy Insights Forum (PIF) is delighted to welcome Malcolm Fisher as the Inaugural Recipient of the North Star Internship. The award was first announced at the North Star Award Gala and Dinner in May 2025, recognizing the lifetime achievements of former Bank of Canada Governor Stephen S. Poloz and the need to create young professional opportunities in the economics and public policy arena.

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The internship was generously sponsored by CGI in honour of Mr. Poloz’s legacy. Mr. Poloz will serve as a mentor in the inaugural year of this program, providing guidance to Malcolm as he gains critical exposure to Canada’s public and policy sectors.

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Malcolm is a passionate young economist with an ambition to serve Canadians as a policymaker. He built his foundational knowledge in economics at Wilfrid Laurier University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Economics with a minor in Financial Management. During this time, he researched the impact that quantitative easing policies employed by the Federal Reserve had on the prices of various U.S. assets.

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“I am excited to begin collaborating with the PIF and contributing to the organization’s thought leadership on issues of national security and defence,” said Malcolm. “I am grateful for the sponsorship of CGI for their support and commitment to investing in Canada’s future leaders.”

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After completing his Bachelor’s degree, Malcolm worked for two years as a Research Assistant in the Financial Markets Department at the Bank of Canada. In this role, he contributed to flagship policy documents such as the Financial Stability Report and the Financial System Survey.

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In 2024, Malcolm continued his studies at Queen’s University, where he completed a Master’s degree in Economics. Under the supervision of Dr. Beverly Lapham, his research focused on how trade flows in information and communication technology goods are associated with geopolitical risk.

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PIF Chair Goran Samuel Pesic said: “At the Policy Insights Forum, we are not only committed to creating Canada’s next generation of young leaders, we are also helping to prepare our North Star Interns for where the puck will be for their career opportunities and national contribution.”

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The first half of the internship will begin at the PIF office in Ottawa, where Malcolm will contribute to policy research, thought leadership, and stakeholder engagement. For the remaining half, Malcolm will take a research position at Export Development Canada, where he will support the Crown corporation’s mandate to help Canadian companies succeed on the world stage.