Saint Mary’s University Signs Charter on Black Inclusion and Fighting Anti-Black Racism

Members of the President's Standing Committee on the Prevention of Racism (L-R): Dr. Ehab Elsharkawi, Franklyn Southwell, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, Dr. Tatjana Takseva, Brady Paul, Dr. Rohini Bannerjee, Natalia Storr, Deborah Brothers-Scott, Raymond Sewell

Action towards equity and diversity

Saint Mary's University has signed onto the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion In Canadian Higher Education: Principles, Actions, and Accountabilities.  

Deborah Brothers-Scott, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, and Dr. Rohini Bannerjee

Created with input and collaboration from students, faculty, staff, relevant organizations and Black political and civic leaders, the charter reflects the post-secondary sector's shared recognition of the realities of anti-Black racism. It provides a concrete path forward to address these and create a more inclusive future. The charter follows four overarching principles: black flourishing, inclusive excellence, mutuality, and accountability.  

"The President's Standing Committee on the Prevention of Racism took a unique, deliberate and thoughtful approach to our signing and support of the Scarborough Charter," says Deborah Brothers-Scott, Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness at Saint Mary's University and Chair of the committee. "We consulted with various areas of the university, such as the Saint Mary's University Students' Association, Student Affairs and Services, People and Culture and faculty. The charter was presented to the university's senate and has been endorsed by the board of governors."  
 
Saint Mary's has already begun to implement some of the following actions, with all expected to be complete within the next year. The university:  

• has appointed Dr. Rohini Bannerjee as the Associate Vice-President, Diversity Excellence, with responsibility and accountability for diversity excellence, to work with the Associate Vice-President of People and Culture and the Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Wellness, to add focus on academic elements

• will establish a Black Caucus consisting of Black faculty and staff

• will utilize disaggregated data to make data informed decisions on Black representation and inclusion

• will develop and implement a diversity excellence cohort hiring strategy to increase and retain Black and Indigenous faculty and staff

The President’s Standing Committee on the Prevention of Racism played an instrumental role in reviewing the charter in association with the Anti-Racism Action Plan. The committee includes:  

• Deborah Brothers-Scott, Chair (Director, Diversity Inclusion and Wellness)

• Dr. Robert Summerby Murray (President and Vice-Chancellor)

• Tom Brophy (Senior Director of Student Affairs & Services)

• Raymond Sewell (Faculty of Arts)

• Dr. Naja Attig (Sobey School of Business)

• Dr. Ehab Elsharkawi (Faculty of Science)

• Dr. Tatjana Takseva (Faculty of Arts and Chairperson, Saint Mary’s University Academic Senate)

• Dr. Rohini Bannerjee (AVP Diversity Excellence)

• Franklyn Southwell (President, SMUSA)

• Kyle Cook (Vice President - Academic & Advocacy, SMUSA)

• Brady Paul (Indigenous Student Advisor)

• Natalia Storr (Student/Alumni representative)

Download the Charter

The consultative approach that the university's committee took was applauded by Dr. Adelle Blackett, Canada Research Chair at McGill University’s Faculty of Law, who was the principal drafter of the charter. 

"As a member of the Inter-Institutional Advisory Committee members for the national dialogues, I am proud that Saint Mary's University has signed onto the Scarborough Charter," says Saint Mary's President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. "As an institution, we are committed to systemic change, change we will see through this charter."  

Work on the Charter began in October 2020, when universities, colleges and other partners came together in conversation on how to meaningfully address anti-Black racism and Black inclusion. From there, the Inter-Institutional Advisory Committee (IIAC) for the National Dialogues and Action began drafting the charter, drawing from the input received from members of the community and sector. Further consultations on the drafted charter took place from March to June 2021, in which partners from Canadian universities and colleges took part in shaping the principles, actions and accountability measures contained within. 

Signatories of the Scarborough Charter are following through on the promises made by universities and colleges in the summer of 2020 and by partner institutions at the October 2020 National Dialogues and Action for Inclusive Higher Education and Communities. Signatories are committing to meaningful, concrete action to address anti-Black racism and to promote Black inclusion.

Related

• Media release: Saint Mary’s joins universities nationwide to take action on anti-Black racism 

• Dr. Rohini Bannerjee appointed as Associate Vice-President, Diversity Excellence at Saint Mary’s University 

• About the Scarborough Charter  

• Download a copy of the Charter  

Message from the President in support of Ukraine

Speaking on behalf of Saint Mary’s University, I want to express my deep concern with the hostile incursion taking place in Ukraine and its impact on the Ukrainian people. As a university with strong international ties, and as scientists, humanists and scholars, we unite with the international community in calling for peace and an immediate end to the invasion. Saint Mary’s University stands with the people of Ukraine and the many members of the Ukrainian Community here in Canada.

We recognize that students, faculty, and staff may be affected by the conflict and want to remind our community that the university has a range of resources in place:

Students can access mental health supports including free confidential 1-1 counselling, through the Saint Mary’s University Counselling Centre. International students can also access supports through the International Student Centre.

Students seeking phone- or text-based mental health support services can contact Good2Talk by calling 1-833-292-3698 or texting Good2TalkNS to 686868.

Staff may access the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).

Faculty and Professional Librarians should contact the Union Office at unionoffice@smufu.org or 902 496 8090 to determine options available for counselling.

Rob Summerby-Murray
President and Vice-Chancellor

University Remembers Former President, Kenneth Ozmon OC

Dr. Kenneth Ozmon

Dr. Kenneth Ozmon Installed as President, 1979

Dr. Kenneth Ozmon Visits Bermuda, 1981

Dr. Kenneth Ozmon and Terry Donahoe During National Universities Week, 1983

Dr. Kenneth Ozmon With Astronaut Roberta Bondar, 1992

Dr. Kenneth Ozmon and Jack Keith, 1993

Dr. Kenneth Ozmon and Friends Breaking the Sod for The Tower, 1986

Breaking the Sod at Site of Future Sobey Building, ca. 1996

Saint Mary's Huskies Team Photo with Dr. Ken Ozmon, 1998

The Saint Mary’s University community honours the memory of and recalls with fondness former university president Kenneth (Ken) Ozmon OC, who passed away 23 February 2022. Born in 1931, he taught at various U.S. and Canadian universities before coming to Saint Mary’s. Kenneth Ozmon became president in 1979, serving for 21 years until 2000 and leading the university through a period of great change and progress. Dr. Ozmon was president during a time of considerable growth in enrolment and several capital campaigns; he was proud to break ground on the Sobey Building with Dr. David Sobey and then Premier John Savage in 1996 and celebrate the building opening in 1998. He is also known for his strong interest in assisting youth with disabilities and in creating more inclusive models for university participation. His advocacy made a lasting impact on Saint Mary’s University and other universities in the region, and this was recognized with him being made an Officer in the Order of Canada in 1998 for his “outstanding contribution to education.”

“Ken Ozmon’s leadership contributed directly to the growing stature of Saint Mary’s University throughout the 1980s and 90s. The international outreach that took shape under his presidency and his strong belief, which he translated to the institution, in the right for everyone to have unobstructed access to post-secondary education were key drivers of the university’s vision and mission,” says President and Vice-Chancellor Robert Summerby-Murray. “His firm stamp is evident in the Saint Mary’s we know today.” Ken remained connected to the institution and was a familiar and faithful presence at varsity games cheering on the SMU Huskies. He made a special trip to campus in October 2021 when he toured The Dauphinee Centre and the site of the new Sobeys Inspiration Hub. Ken was delighted to see the progress underway and expressed his ongoing great pride in the institution he served for so long.

The university is flying flags at half-mast in recognition of his legacy and in sympathy with his family at his passing.

New Partnership Supporting BIPOC Youth in Computer Science, Technology, Leadership and Sustainable Development

Alfred Burgesson, Founder at Tribe Network and Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President of Saint Mary’s University.
Photo Credit: Ian Selig

A new province-wide program available to youth ages 15 to 18 in Nova Scotia who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Colour and are interested in developing skills in computer science and technology, leadership, and sustainable development has launched.   

"The Brilliant Creators Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for BIPOC youth to develop new skills while practicing creativity, innovation, leadership, and learning with technology. We are committed to working with youth and empowering them to be creators of the world they want to live in," said Alfred Burgesson, Founder at Tribe Network.  

The 15 participants in the Brilliant Creators Fellowship are engaged in regular workshops, events, team-focused projects, and hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. Participants will develop their interpersonal skills and competencies in digital literacy, communication, sustainable development while also developing peer-to-peer networks. In addition to skill development, participants will also gain access to community leaders and industry mentors. The Saint Mary's University Entrepreneurship Centre will support youth entrepreneurship skill development throughout the initiative.   

"Saint Mary's University is committed to a world without limits. The Brilliant Creators Fellowship helps us to support and reduce barriers facing BIPOC youth, which is an important part of achieving that goal," says Saint Mary's University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. "We are proud to partner with Tribe Network and Brilliant Labs on this project."   

"We recognize the importance of championing diversity across all fields of research, work and study," says President Summerby-Murray. "That is why we are offering every student who finishes this program a $12,000 scholarship over four years to study computer science or business at Saint Mary's University."    

In the first year of the program, participants include youth from Halifax, Dartmouth, Lower Sackville, Fall River and Membertou First Nation. 

Saint Mary’s University is pleased to partner with Tribe Network, to support the participants, and to further the impact of the Brilliant Creators Fellowship for years to come.    

Saint Mary’s Looks to Future with New Brand Story

Saint Mary’s University is looking to the future with the launch of a new brand.      

“It is time for Saint Mary’s University to assert our place boldly among the top Canadian universities and proclaim our advantages at home and around the globe,” says Saint Mary’s University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “This is the brand for our university and for our times. Saint Mary’s University offers a bright, ambitious vision for the future.”  

The new brand platform results from months of qualitative and quantitative research and extensive consultation with a diverse group of more than 3,000 faculty, staff, students, alumni and other stakeholders.   

The new treatment includes a logo, wordmark and tagline, ‘World Without Limits.’    

“‘World Without Limits’ is a wonderful distillation of who we are and what Saint Mary’s strives for every day. It is about investment in people, about economies, international relations and social prosperity, changes in science, technology, environment and business. It is also about acknowledging and tackling the very real limitations placed on diverse and marginalized cultures and peoples, and addressing the mental health issues that many grapple with every day. It is about Saint Mary’s bold vision and our commitment to our university community, for Halifax and for Nova Scotia,” says President Summerby-Murray.    

“More than an updated look and feel, our new brand platform is a powerful way of telling the Saint Mary’s story,” says Erin Sargeant Greenwood, Vice-President, Advancement. “Saint Mary’s offers a unique experience. We are a caring community, more typically associated with smaller universities, combined with the research and student engagement opportunities of the largest institutions. We are moving the university forward in a way that reflects our traditions and values and embraces our bright future.”   

Related links

• Learn more about our new brand platform

• Learn about the Sobey School brand

• Learn about the Husky logo

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Digital transformation benefits students at Saint Mary’s University

Saint Mary's University, one of Canada's foremost primarily undergraduate universities, is building the learning environment of the future that will give current and future students a world-class engaging and immersive experience. A digital transformation, backed by a series of technology investments, will place Saint Mary's in a leading position for student experience, student choice, and blended learning in Canada and around the world. 

Saint Mary's has partnered with industry-leading experts D2L and Ellucian to innovate and improve the learner experience in an approach that is on the cutting edge for post-secondary institutions. Saint Mary's integrated learning environment will be one of the most sophisticated in Canada. It will bring together all aspects of virtual and in-person learning into a seamless whole, including the management of learning, data records, academic and financial services, credentialing, and learner support. 

“The digital transformation will be a game-changer for our students, removing barriers to higher education related to scheduling, learning style and preferences, finance, accommodation, and location,” says Saint Mary's University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. "New technology and digital services will mean that Saint Mary’s students will be able to learn and engage fully with their professors, fellow students, and research partners in the classroom, from their home and from anywhere in the world. This investment will open up doors for completion of degrees online for some students. For others, their courses and experiences will be the perfect mix of in-person, virtual and online. Our students have spoken, and building on what we have learned during the pandemic, we know they want these options and this flexibility. This is the future and this strategic partnership puts Saint Mary’s in a leadership position nationally." 

Saint Mary's will use D2L's Brightspace platform and leading-edge technology to create the most interactive course content for learners anywhere in the world, provide individualized learning pathways, give learners personalized feedback, and engage them in their learning through gamification, social tools, and video. 

The university's new integrated learning environment will be hosted in the cloud to provide a seamless service to learners across a lifetime of learning. The transformation will encompass all courses, programs, and certificates, and all 6,500 students will benefit from this $9.3 million investment over five years.  

"This investment will lead to significant improvements in the teaching and learning experience and the general operations and systems of the university that will be felt by everyone," says Saint Mary's University's Vice-President, Finance and Administration, Michelle Benoit. "We are removing duplication and increasing student and faculty access to the services of the university while providing them more tools and pathways to enhance their experience. We are automating processes to provide faster response times for students, freeing up staff time to focus on other service delivery areas. This is a very significant moment for our institution." 

Over the project's term, the university's data management system, Ellucian Banner, will be integrated with the university's online learning platform, Brightspace by D2L. Both Ellucian and D2L are key partners for this digital transformation.  

"We are excited to expand our relationship with Saint Mary's University to further accelerate their digital transformation journey," said Laura Ipsen, President and CEO, Ellucian. "SMU's investment in modern systems in the cloud will enhance operational efficiencies enabling more resources to focus on what's most important -- students. Their unwavering commitment to improving the student experience, paired with their vision to become a truly global institution, sets them apart as an innovative leader in higher education." 

"What Saint Mary's University has done is nothing short of remarkable," said John Baker, President and CEO of D2L. "Creating a truly learner-centered, fully integrated learning environment can only happen when you're absolutely committed to student success. It's a real honour for all of us at D2L to be part of such a progressive, innovative and student-centered success story." 

"This investment is about improving supports for teaching and learning and improving processes and data management to allow students, faculty, and staff to focus more on the primary reason we are all here—the creation and the dissemination of knowledge," says President Summerby-Murray.

Learn about applying to Saint Mary’s.

Learn about employment opportunities at Saint Mary’s.

Saint Mary’s joins universities nationwide to take action on anti-Black racism

Saint Mary’s University is joining universities and colleges across Canada to take action on anti-Black racism in the post-secondary sector. Saint Mary’s will join the University of Toronto and numerous others in a national dialogue taking place on October 1st and 2nd. This dialogue will be the first of a series of sessions called National Dialogues and Action for Inclusive Higher Education and Communities. 

“This conversation is an important early step to a broader national discussion about the impacts of racism, and the actions we can take to address anti-Black racism,” says Deborah Brothers-Scott, Chair of Saint Mary’s University President’s Standing Committee on the Prevention of Racism. “I am confident that this series of dialogues will serve as a strong foundation for self-reflection as a sector and inform the systemic changes needed on the path towards equity.”

The sessions will discuss various topics and make recommendations on subjects such as access to post-secondary and ensuring success, supporting faculty and staff, inclusive learning, representation, and the best practices around race-based data.

A national coordinating committee will carefully review the conversations and recommendations and provide a charter of principles and actions for participating institutions. Saint Mary’s President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray is a member of this committee and is actively supporting this work.

“Since I first came to Saint Mary’s University, I have embraced the diversity of our community as our strength,” says President Summerby-Murray. “This comes with the responsibility to do everything within my power to ensure we are supporting equitable opportunities and treatment for everyone in our community.”

“We are not without challenges in this regard, but these are challenges that we must work to address and overcome,” adds President Summerby-Murray. “This is why I have dedicated myself to this national initiative, in addition to my involvement with the education committee for BlackNorth, and our university’s standing committee on the prevention of racism.”

While Saint Mary’s has often engaged in discussions and dialogues on racism and discrimination against First Nations and persons of African descent, these efforts have been placed into sharp relief by the events of recent months, notably Black Lives Matter and the Anti-Black Racism movement. Saint Mary’s is fortunate to have significant faculty research expertise and community engagement, including through the Department of Social Justice and Community Studies. With support from their colleagues across the university and now recognized across the country, faculty members are leading meaningful and frank discussions of the challenges facing Canada, Nova Scotia, Halifax, and Saint Mary’s when it comes to racism, discrimination, and equity and the actions needed to address it. A prime example of this work is the rising prominence of these discussions at university events such as Homecoming and the event Back to the Classroom: Anti-Racism led by Dr. Rachel Zellars.

While faculty members are working to create change, the university also recognizes the importance of anti-racism action. Earlier this year, the university convened the President’s Standing Committee on the Prevention of Racism, a key recommendation of an earlier 2019 ad hoc committee. Among other recommendations from the ad hoc committee, the current committee has a key mandate to raise awareness and oversee the implementation of other recommendations, including:

• the recent successful hiring of a full-time African Nova Scotian/Black Student & Community Liaison staff position, a role that will help better support Black students on campus;

• education and training to ensure we can identify, report, investigate and respond to incidents of racialized discrimination on campus;

• holding more workshops to help educate and combat racism;

• a revision of the SMU Code of Conduct to ensure it clearly addresses issues of racism;

• developing a retention strategy focused on Indigenous and racialized students; and

• recruiting more racialized faculty and staff members.

Efforts have already begun with a series of listening sessions that have taken place and will continue through the Fall term to give the committee insight into the first-hand experiences of members of the SMU community. Similar to the national dialogues, these sessions form an essential part of the process to inform change.

Listening is only the first step; the university knows more action is needed.

To learn more about the upcoming sessions or share your feedback, comments, or questions, email The President’s Standing Committee on the Prevention of Racism at anti-racism@smu.ca. All emails are treated with the utmost confidentiality. 

Saint Mary's University ready to support business, help rebuild economy

960 Tower Road, home to the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre and the Saint Mary’s University Language Centre.

Following last week’s provincial announcement, Saint Mary’s University president Robert Summerby-Murray says the university is ready to continue and scale its business coaching and mentoring services. 

“Our entrepreneurship centre started offering free coaching and mentoring services to businesses throughout Atlantic Canada early in March - we are ready to expand our capacity to help more businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Summerby-Murray. “The centre’s free programming is designed to help businesses manage through the pandemic and also provides advice on what businesses can do to be more resilient to future shocks.” 

“We have been doing our part to help the economy and the business community – we are ready to do more.” 

Summerby-Murray said that business owners and entrepreneurs get access to world-class experts thanks to the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre’s partnership with Metronome United. Metronome United was founded by SMU alumna and entrepreneur Shannon Byrne Susko BComm’89 BSc’92.  

"We are tremendously grateful to Ms. Byrne Susko for her help and support,” said Summerby-Murray. “Having access to the expertise provided by her and her team will be invaluable to entrepreneurs and business leaders here in Nova Scotia.” 

SMU alumni are also reaching out and showing their willingness to help. 

“Our graduates are ready to serve the province and its business at this time of need,” said Summerby-Murray. “The resourcefulness of our alumni is a source of pride for me and for the Saint Mary’s community.” 

Summerby-Murray said he is pleased the province is taking measures to help small businesses in the province and that combining capital with knowledge will ensure more businesses are ready to re-open when the time is right. 

“Money alone won’t ensure business resilience or innovation,” said Summerby-Murray. “It’s part of what’s needed but having access to the knowledge and skills is a necessary part of the equation.” 

“World class coaching and mentoring services, like those provided by the Saint Mary’s University Entrepreneurship Centre, will ensure the province maximizes its investments in the business community.” 

Message from the President: Condolences to our community

Dear Saint Mary's community, 

The unthinkable tragedy of this past weekend has left all of us shocked, saddened, and grieving. Our closely-knit, peaceful province is feeling this loss deeply.
 
In a place that celebrates close connections in our everyday lives, these senseless acts are particularly painful. Our community is connected; our students, staff, faculty and alumni are part of Nova Scotia and many have lost loved ones, family, friends and acquaintances.

On behalf of the entire Saint Mary’s community, I extend deepest sympathies to those who have lost someone. I also want to express gratitude to the many first responders and front-line workers who risk their own safety to protect their fellow Nova Scotians.

In a continuing expression of remembrance, flags at Saint Mary’s University were lowered to half-staff yesterday morning and will remain so for the rest of this week, including through the virtual vigil being hosted on Facebook on Friday evening

While we cannot gather in-person to support one another in this difficult time, there is help available. I encourage you to reach out to these university supports if you need assistance. I also want to convey to you the many expressions of support we are receiving from across Canada and around the world.
 
As the sun set over Nova Scotia yesterday evening, many of us took comfort in its uncommon beauty. Still others across the province and the country lit candles as a sign of remembrance and solidarity. I am consoled by these simple but significant reminders of our connectedness, care, and resilience – I hope you are as well.
 
Take care of yourselves, and take care of each other.
 
Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray
President and Vice-Chancellor
Saint Mary’s University

Saint Mary’s calling on its alumni and friends to support emergency funding for students who have been financially impacted by COVID-19

The Saint Mary’s community is coming together in support of emergency funding for students who have been financially impacted by COVID-19. 

“Our students need our support more than ever,” said Saint Mary’s University President Robert Summerby-Murray. “It is imperative that we join together and help our students during this unprecedented time.”

The goal of the Emergency Student Bursary Fund is to help students with unexpected and urgent expenses in extenuating circumstances. Related to COVID-19, the fund will provide short-term and long-term support for students and cover the basics such as rent, bills, groceries, and other necessities.

Many Saint Mary’s students were employed in the industries hardest hit by COVID-19 closures including hospitality, tourism, and retail. This has resulted in significant job loss and an urgent need for student financial assistance.

“Every day, we are receiving new applications for financial aid from students who are in challenging situations and we are responding as quickly as we can to meet their  needs,” said Erin Sargeant Greenwood, Vice President, Advancement.

The Emergency Student Bursary Fund provides resources to help students complete their studies and finish the academic term.

“The funds will help alleviate financial pressure and keep our students on track towards graduation,” said President Summerby-Murray. “The fund represents our commitment to our students and reminds them that we are always here for them. We are in this together.”

If you are interested in supporting Saint Mary’s University students, please visit our online giving page for the Student Emergency Bursary Fund to make a gift.

To learn more about Saint Mary’s response to COVID-19 please visit: https://smu.ca/virtualuniversity/covidupdates.html

Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray appointed to second term as President of Saint Mary’s University

Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, President and Vice Chancellor, Saint Mary’s University

Board Chair Lawrence (Larry) Freeman, Q.C., announced today the appointment of Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray to a second five-year term as President of Saint Mary’s University, effective July 1, 2020.

Freeman noted that the Board’s decision was based on a comprehensive review, including community and stakeholder consultation, leading to a unanimous recommendation of a Presidential Review Committee struck in 2018. He noted: “During Rob’s first mandate he established a bold Strategic Plan, and under his leadership we have made significant progress in implementing the Plan.  We have set new benchmarks for research funding and innovative student programs, increased investments in student financial support and services, and advanced our commitment to intercultural learning and global connectedness. We are particularly impressed with Rob’s ability to forge and strengthen important external relationships, locally, nationally and internationally.”

Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, President Summerby-Murray received his PhD in Geography from the University of Toronto in 1992. A respected educator, he has received the Tucker Teaching Award, the AAU Distinguished Teacher Award and a 3M Fellowship.

President Summerby-Murray is an Elected Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. In May 2018, he was named one of Atlantic Canada Business Magazine’s Top 50 CEOs.

Saint Mary's to host Touchdown Atlantic 2020

[Left to right] Bruce Bowser, Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray, Ross Jefferson, Craig Reynolds, Randy Ambrosie, Brett Lauther and Mike “Pinball” Clemons. (Kelly Clark/CFL.ca)

The biggest Touchdown Atlantic ever is coming to Saint Mary’s University this summer, the Canadian Football League (CFL) announced on Thursday.

Rider Nation comes to Nova Scotia when the Saskatchewan Roughriders face the Toronto Argonauts on Saturday, July 25 in the first-ever regular season game played in Halifax.

“Saint Mary’s University has a proud football tradition, and we are honoured to be a part of CFL history,” said President Robert Summerby-Murray. “We’re thrilled to host Touchdown Atlantic. Great events, like great universities, make our region and our country stronger.”

The game will be played at Huskies Stadium at 5 p.m. AT on Saturday, July 25. Approximately 6,000 temporary seats will be installed to bring the capacity for the game to 10,000.

“Our league belongs to Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast – and for one fabulous weekend this July, the east coast will be its capital,” said Randy Ambrosie, Commissioner of the CFL. “We are bringing the football and the fun. We’re inviting everyone in Atlantic Canada to join the party, and everyone in the rest of the country to come for the game and stay for a vacation!”

Riders’ kicker and Saint Mary’s alumnus, Brett Lauther, called Touchdown Atlantic a dream come true.

“I’ve known the thrill of kicking the winning points on our home field in Regina, but to do that here, in my own backyard, would be just incredible,” said Lauther, a native of Truro, N.S.

Both teams are “leaning in” to make it a special week; they will arrive days before the game and take part in a series of media events and community visits. The game will be preceded by a three-day “mini Grey Cup festival” featuring music, parties and tons of family-friendly fun.

Tickets will go on-sale at the end of February and a full list of prices will be announced soon. Fans can sign up for the most up-to-date information and access to priority-purchasing at CFL.ca/TDA. Ambrosie stressed that the game will be affordable with an average ticket price of approximately $50.

The 2020 edition of Touchdown Atlantic will be the first CFL game of any type to be played in Nova Scotia since 2005, when the Argos and Hamilton Tiger-Cats played a pre-season game at Huskies Stadium.