Brent McCamon, a 2015 graduate of Redeemer University College’s International Studies program, has been hired as the first-ever intern in the Office of Religious Freedom (ORF). McCamon was brought into the Office by Dr. Andrew Bennett, Canada’s first Ambassador for Religious Freedom, after his success in a competitive process and began his work at the Office on May 19, 2015. Ambassador Bennett remarked, “It is with great pleasure that I welcome Brent McCamon to the team here at the Office of Religious Freedom. Throughout the interview process and within his first couple weeks, it is obvious that Redeemer University College prepared him well to engage with the challenges that face faith communities globally. His involvement is a testament to the important contributions that young people can make towards advancing human dignity.”
During his four-month placement at the ORF, McCamon will be involved in fostering freedom of religion or belief as a Canadian foreign policy priority through research, policy development, and advocacy on behalf of persecuted religious individuals and communities. “I am honoured to be working with Ambassador Bennett and everyone at the ORF to protect and promote religious freedom as an essential human right. This has been an incredible final year with Redeemer and I’m so thankful for everyone who has supported and encouraged me,” said McCamon. “This is going to be an incredible summer!”
As part of his undergraduate program at Redeemer, McCamon completed a semester at the Laurentian Leadership Centre in Ottawa, which gave him insight on how faith can impact public life. “Brent’s accomplishments reflect perfectly the types of goals and outcomes we have for Redeemer’s International Studies program. His success is an example of the kind of opportunities and practical experiences that are intrinsic to what we do at Redeemer University College,” noted Dr. Robert Joustra, Assistant Professor of International Studies at Redeemer. “That preparation can be seen both in Brent’s placement and in his winning first place in the Tony Blair Foundation Faith & Globalisation Essay Competition.”
After his placement at the ORF, McCamon plans to continue his involvement with this important issue which he hopes to continue to pursue through a Master’s Degree in Global Affairs.