Alison Smith

Associate Professor Alison Smith is a political scientist specializing in the governance of homelessness, welfare state dynamics, and multilevel governance. She holds positions at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) within the Department of Political Science. Her research traces the evolution of anti-homelessness policies in Canada, as detailed in her forthcoming book Multiple Barriers: The Multilevel Governance of Homelessness in Canada. She earned a Ph.D. from l’Université de Montréal, an M.A. from UBC, and a B.A. from Mount Allison University, followed by a parliamentary internship in Ottawa.

Education

• Ph.D., Political Science, l’Université de Montréal
• M.A., Political Science, University of British Columbia
• B.A. (Honors), Political Science, Mount Allison University

Research Interests

Professor Smith’s work bridges political theory and policy analysis, focusing on how ideas shape responses to homelessness. Her current project involves a comprehensive literature review to address gaps in political science approaches to homelessness research. She has contributed to Montreal’s first homelessness count (2015) and explores intersections between social policy and urban governance. Key areas include poverty reduction strategies, welfare state frameworks, and the role of subnational actors in addressing inequality.

Grants & Advising

While no specific grants are noted, her parliamentary internship experience underscores her engagement with policy implementation. No advisees are listed in available materials.

Labs/Teams

No specific laboratories or research teams are mentioned in her profile. Her work is primarily individual or collaborative through academic publishing and policy projects.