Michelle-Andrea Girouard

Bridging research, public policy and storytelling.

Currently a master’s student in Political Science at the University of Ottawa and a Junior Researcher with Employment and Social Development Canada. My work combines research, policy analysis, and storytelling to better understand social, political, and economic issues. Prior to entering the public service, I spent nearly a decade producing documentaries and journalism focused on human rights, international affairs, and underrepresented communities.

Below is some of my previous work.

DOCUMENTARY: Running Home

Inma (24) is determined to win a marathon in the Sahara Desert. But her motives run deeper than the physical challenge. A few months ago, she learned the birthplace of her biological mother: Laayoune, Western Sahara. Having never heard of the country, she decides to train for an international race that takes place nearby, in the Sahrawi refugee camps in Algeria. There, she will meet Sahrawis who share her mother’s history of fleeing war and surviving occupation.

Trailer: https://youtu.be/ZhL4GpDjK6Q
Full film: https://youtu.be/0d-78q3Z2p0?si=p9e3K-aOITLp9kIw