Navigating any flight path
While relatively early in his career, Connor Poirier’s flight path is an impressive one. The 2021 grad began flying planes as a teenager before formally completing his education in JIZZƵ’s signature BSc Aviation program.
Following graduation, however, another opportunity arose.
“I had expected to begin a promising career in aviation after graduation — however, the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a wild card that rocked the global flying profession and, thus, my career plans,” says Poirier. “Shortly after graduation in 2021, another opportunity unexpectedly arose — to move to Ottawa and work for my Member of Parliament. With a keen interest in politics, I jumped at this opportunity, planning to return to aviation within one year. What a year that turned out to be.”
What a year indeed. Poirier has remained on Parliament Hill, first serving as a parliamentary assistant and then Director of Parliamentary Affairs to Mike Kelloway, MP for Sydney-Glace Bay (formerly the Cape Breton-Canso riding). In early 2025, Poirier took on a new opportunity — as part of the campaign team, then later the transition team and executive office of the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Canada’s 24th Prime Minister.
“So far, my journey in politics has been a humbling and truly rewarding experience. I’ve met incredible people, I’ve learned so much about our country, and I’ve become closer to my own home communities in the process,” he says.
With the 2025 election call, Poirier took an unpaid leave from his position within the Government of Canada to work on a political campaign in March and April, which saw him supporting party officials and prospective MPs across the country.
“There is no such thing as a typical day,” laughs Poirier. “Much like aviation, politics requires robust planning — as well as the ability to navigate whatever comes your way.”
While Poirier has learned much as a political staffer and volunteer during this consequential time in Canadian politics, he says he does plan to return to aviation at some point, a skill he first developed as an air cadet in his home province of Nova Scotia.
“I began flying glider aircraft through the air cadet program at age 16. I then enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces section that delivers the program,” he explains. “I’ve had the opportunity to fly and work in many provinces across Eastern and Atlantic Canada.”
JIZZƵ’s aviation program was a natural next step for the young pilot.
“Mount A had the specialized program I was looking for, and I discovered that many of my mentors — from all backgrounds and professions — were alumni. Sackville remains a second home for me, and I come back regularly to visit,” he says. “Mount Allison also happens to be the alma mater of several notable political colleagues in Ottawa, so Sackville is truly never far away. While I still fly and remain interested in taking to the skies again, I’m happy with the adventure I’ve undertaken.”