Immigration reformer and advocate to receive honorary degree from Saint Mary’s University

An immigration reformer and advocate will receive the highest honour Saint Mary's University can bestow, an honorary degree, on Friday, Jan. 24, 2020.

The university is recognizing the achievement, dedication and life's work of Gerry Mills, the former Executive Director of Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS).

Gerry Mills

"Saint Mary's University understands the importance of intercultural learning, and the advantages global perspectives bring to our university, province and country," said Saint Mary's University President Robert Summerby-Murray. "We are proud to honour Gerry Mills for her decades of commitment to supporting newcomers to Canada and for her work in shaping immigration to Nova Scotia. It is with great pleasure that we welcome her to the Santamarian family."

Born in Gravesend, England, Gerry Mills’s lifelong dedication to supporting newcomers and immigrants comes from her own experience moving to Canada in 1986. Despite knowing the language, it was a startling culture shock. Initially drawn to a career in teaching after earning a degree in German and English from Hull University in England, her own immigration story changed her plans. Mills would begin volunteering in literacy training and teaching part-time in English as a Second Language, but this quickly became a career. Within six months, Mills was the Executive Director of the Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre.

“We are proud to honour Gerry Mills for her decades of commitment to supporting newcomers to Canada and for her work in shaping immigration to Nova Scotia. It is with great pleasure that we welcome her to the Santamarian family.”

— Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President of Saint Mary's University

Recognizing the benefits that a merger between the Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre and the Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association (MISA) could bring for immigrants, Mills led this process with MISA Executive Director Claudette Legault to create the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia. Mills regards this merger, bringing two of the city's most critical immigrant program associations together, as one of her most significant accomplishments. Mills was also crucial to the settling of thousands of Syrian refugees to Nova Scotia; another moment she considers one of the most important of her career.

"In receiving this honour, I want to stress the importance of and express thanks to all of my colleagues for their support, dedication and commitment to helping newcomers to Nova Scotia," said honorary degree recipient Gerry Mills. "None of this would have been possible without you."

• Full biography for January 2020 honorary degree recipient Gerry Mills.

Honorary Degree: Gerry Mills

Gerry Mills

Gerry Mills
Immigration reformer and advocate  

Born in Gravesend, England, Gerry Mills's lifelong dedication to supporting newcomers and immigrants comes from her own experience moving to Canada in 1986. Despite knowing the language, it was a startling culture shock. This experience would shape her passion and inform her understanding as she would go on to guide thousands of immigrants to their new home in Nova Scotia as the Executive Director of Immigrant Services Associations of Nova Scotia (ISANS) for 30 years. 

Initially drawn to a career in teaching after earning a degree in German and English from Hull University in England, her own immigration story changed her plans. Gerry would begin volunteering in literacy training and teaching part-time in English as a Second Language, but this quickly became a career. Within six months, Gerry was the Executive Director of the Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre – the start of a long and inspirational career in supporting immigrants to Nova Scotia.

Always stretching beyond her comfort zone, throughout her career, Gerry has been willing to face new challenges, initiating partnerships and working collaboratively to support the immigration and settlement of newcomers to the province. Recognizing the benefits that a merger between the Halifax Immigrant Learning Centre and the Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association (MISA) could bring, Gerry led this process with MISA Executive Director Claudette Legault to create Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia - ISANS. They not only made it work; they made it thrive. With their client-focused approach, they created an organization with lasting impacts on our province and beyond. ISANS now employs 300+ employees and is regarded both nationally and internationally as a leader for innovative and effective immigrant settlement services. The impact of ISANS is evident as immigrant retention has tripled since the year 2000, and Nova Scotia is now ready and able to effectively and appropriately support immigrants and refugees.

Gerry regards this merger, bringing two of the city's most critical immigrant program associations together, as one of her most significant accomplishments. Gerry was also incredibly vital to the settling of thousands of Syrian refugees to Nova Scotia; another moment she considers one of the most important of her career. 

In addition to her career at ISANS, Gerry was also active in the field of adult education, including five years teaching at Saint Mary's University. Well respected within her field, Gerry's opinions and insight have often been sought by others. Gerry has participated extensively in provincial, regional and national boards, committees and working groups on immigration, language and settlement, chairing many of them and addressing politicians and policymakers on various issues.  

An outspoken advocate for change, Gerry has been a champion for immigrants, refugees and accessibility to services for decades. Her impact as a leader in Nova Scotia will be felt for decades to come. Nova Scotia is a better and more diverse community due to the work of Gerry Mills.