Dr. Rachel Laforest

Biography

Rachel Laforest (Ph.D. Carleton) is a Professor in the Department of Political Studies at Queen’s University. Her research focuses primarily on Canadian politics, with a particular interest in how civil society groups mobilize to influence social policy dynamics. Laforest is currently conducting a comparative analysis of poverty reduction strategies developed in Canada. Her work examines the interplay of institutions and the specific timing of consultations, alongside the strategies that organized interests mobilize to affect change. She studies innovative strategies to tackle youth homelessness risks, emphasizing cross-sectoral collaboration on community-based preventative interventions that foster equitable educational outcomes. Rachel is involved in multiple SSHRC-funded research teams, allowing her to work on various topics, including the restructuring of social services in the mental health and addictions field across Ontario and Quebec. Her publications include 'Voluntary Sector Organizations and the State', which won the ANSER-ARES book award in 2014, and she serves as the co-editor for various academic volumes focusing on public administration and social policy. Rachel has held visiting appointments at notable institutions, including the Centre for Nonprofit Management at Trinity College Dublin and the School of Criminology, Politics and Social Policy at the University of Ulster.

Research Interests