Honorary Degree Biography - Michael H. McCain

Michael H. McCain

Michael H. McCain is President and Chief Executive Officer of Maple Leaf Foods, one of Canada’s flagship food companies, with sales of $4.3 billion and employing approximately 13,500 people in Canada and the United States.

Mr. McCain has devoted his career to the food industry, starting at McCain Foods in the late 1970s, where he held a variety of roles, including president and chief executive officer of McCain Foods USA. He joined Maple Leaf Foods in 1995. Since then, he has been instrumental in establishing Maple Leaf as a strong and sustainable, values-based company with leading brands and market shares across its businesses and a bold vision for the future.

Mr. McCain and his team are deeply committed to being the global leader in sustainable proteins, reflected in ambitious goals in the advancement of nutrition, reducing antibiotic use in livestock, animal care, environmental sustainability, and enhancing food security nationally and globally.

Mr. McCain is a director of McCain Capital and Maple Leaf Foods. He is a member of the Richard Ivey School of Business Advisory Board, the Business Council of Canada, and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation. He is also the honorary chairman of the Maple Leaf Centre for Action on Food Security.

Born in Florenceville, New Brunswick, Michael attended Mount Allison University and received an Honours Business Administration degree from the University of Western Ontario. He also holds honorary degrees from Brock University, Carleton University and Guelph University. He is devoted to his five children and family, and lives in Toronto.

Halifax Citadel-Sable Island Riding Candidates Debate Important Student Issues

The Community Revitalization & Prosperity Network, in partnership with Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA), hosted a live-streamed debate for the candidates from the Halifax Citadel-Sable Island Riding on August 5, 2021, from 12: 45 pm – 2:30 pm ADT. This event highlighted the political parties’ responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and important issues that are faced by students.

Check out the live stream recorded session.

Congratulations to the fourth cohort of graduates from the BNUZ-SMU Joint Bachelor of Commerce Program

Graduating Cohort

Li Honglin is awarded his degree by Prof. Zheng Guomin, Assistant to the President and Vice Provost, Beijing Normal University, and Deputy Director of the Administrative Committee and Provost, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai.

Prof. Zhong Xin, Dean of the International Business Faculty at BNUZ presents Lu Jingyi with her degree during the IBF degree awarding ceremony. In total, 63 students graduated from the BNUZ-SMU Joint BComm Program on June 26th.

Zou Tiantian (left) plans to continue her postgraduate studies at Johns Hopkins University in September. Han Qi (right) will travel to Italy to begin a master’s program at Bocconi University this fall. 47 of the 63 graduates will pursue postgraduate studies this year.

A group of friends celebrate their successful completion of the BNUZ-SMU Joint BComm Program at Beijing Normal University. Clockwise from top-left: Hu Tianyi, Liu Zhiyong, Li Honglin, Wang Xiaoshuai, Wang Pengyu, Chen Haitian, Zhang Runpeng, Wang Junkun, Zhang Jiajun, Zhang Mingqi, Na Meng, Wang Yanjie, Wang Yutian and Cheng Chengyi

Clockwise from top-left: Zeng Siqi, Liu Yingqi, Rong Wenyue, Jin Yanjun, Tao Mengjie, Sun Ming, Xie Hetiao, Tan Jinquan, and Li Aofeng

Clockwise from left: Shi Yilin, He Zhuran, Xiao Jing and Feng Xiao

Huang ZhenXi plans to attend University College London in the fall.

Graduates from the Joint BComm Program complete 2 degrees: a Bachelor of Commerce (major in finance) from SMU and a Bachelor of Economics from BNUZ. Zhao Xinyi (left), Lu Jingyi (centre) and Tang Ziluo (right) pose for a photo wearing the Sobey BComm hoods and gowns.

Since launching in 2014, the partnership between Saint Mary’s University and Beijing Normal University Zhuhai (BNUZ) has graduated nearly 300 outstanding students through the BNUZ-SMU Joint Bachelor of Commerce Program.

This past weekend, 63 students graduated from the program with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the Sobey School of Business and a Bachelor of Economics degree from BNUZ. Of the graduates, 58 were awarded a major in Finance. This is the fourth cohort to graduate from the Joint BComm Program, which is based entirely in Zhuhai, China. Students in this program receive a truly international education, with half of their courses delivered by visiting SMU faculty and the other half taught by faculty members of BNUZ.

Dr. Harjeet Bhabra, Dean of the Sobey School of Business, highlighted the impact of this international learning experience in his congratulatory message to this year’s graduating cohort: “Your educational experience has provided you with a uniquely international perspective that will allow you to become business leaders as you embark on your careers. While we wish we could celebrate your achievements with you in Zhuhai, we are proud to welcome you to the global alumni community and we send our best wishes for your continued success.”

Special congratulations go to the 16 students who graduated with distinction (5 cum laude, 8 magna cum laude and 3 summa cum laude) and to the 17 students who have earned a place on the Dean’s List for their final academic year. Of the 63 graduates, 47 will go on to pursue postgraduate studies. Forty students have already accepted offers from respected universities in the US, UK, Australia, Canada and China. Some well-known schools include the University of Glasgow, Johns Hopkins University, the University of Sydney and University College London.

Prof. Zhong Xin, Dean of the International Business Faculty at BNUZ, says the graduates have all benefitted from the program’s international focus and congratulates them on their outstanding work: “You have demonstrated your growth with actions, studied hard, overcome difficulties and forged ahead together. I wish you a happy graduation. Ride the wind and the waves – the future is bright and promising.”

The BNUZ-SMU Joint Bachelor of Commerce Program was born out of a longstanding partnership between Saint Mary’s University and Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai. This partnership dates back to 2002 and has included a range of 2+2 programs in Arts, Business and Science, as well as a number of other exchange programs and summer institutes for students, faculty and members of the community. 

Since 2016, over 40 faculty members from the Sobey School of Business and SMU Faculty of Arts have travelled to Zhuhai to teach in the Joint BComm Program, further strengthening the friendships and academic initiatives between members of both institutions. Sonya Rice, Part-Time Lecturer in the Department of Finance, Information Systems and Management Science (FISMS), who first visited BNUZ in 2012 as a student in the International Chinese Studies program, says “I am so proud of each student graduating this year – they have not only succeeded in an intensive and rigorous program but also overcame the additional challenges of online learning.” Dr. Rahman Khokhar, Associate Professor of Finance in the Department of Finance, Information Systems and Management Science, says he was “honoured to be part of the learning journey of the dedicated and hardworking 2017 Cohort,” and is “positive that this group is ready to make a meaningful difference to the world.”  

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing global pandemic, faculty and administrators from Saint Mary’s University were unable to celebrate this year’s graduates in person in Zhuhai. We honour the achievements of the graduates and extend our warmest welcome to the newest members of our alumni community.

Undergraduate Students Earn Paid Summer Research Positions

 With hard work and dedication to their studies, top undergraduate students at Saint Mary’s have won the opportunity to do paid research with their professors this summer. Some will be in labs, others in the field or working remotely.  

Research at Saint Mary’s University has an impact on our community and globally. These students are placed across the campus in Science, Arts and Business faculties. Research topics include applying human resource concepts to sports teams, analyzing data and images from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, the shift in approach to feminist policy in Canada, and analysing case studies on the collapse of fish stocks and fisheries worldwide.  

Canadian and International students are eligible for four award programs:

• Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s Undergraduate Student
  Research Awards (NSERC USRA);

• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Explore Summer Research Awards; and,

• Dean of Science Undergraduate Summer Research Awards

• First Year Undergraduate Awards

Working with professors whose research is making positive changes in the world guides students on their educational path to become the next generation of researchers.  

“Saint Mary’s University faculty members excel at engaging undergraduate students in their research efforts, and these experiences are a transformational positive experience for every student that has the opportunity,” said Dr. Adam Sarty, Associate Vice-President, Research and Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.  

“The one-on-one attention from our faculty members and teamwork with peers is a perfect complement to an undergraduate degree, and provides an exceptionally strong foundation for career entry, or future professional/graduate studies,” said Dr. Sarty.  

The Awards

USRA awards, open to Canadian students who have completed at least a year of a bachelor’s degree, are meant to help students develop their potential for a research career in the natural sciences and engineering.

SSHRC Explore awards are open to students studying social sciences and humanities. With these two award programs that are supported by our federal funding councils, combined with the Dean of Science and First Year awards, all Saint Mary’s University students, Canadian and international, have an opportunity to apply for summer research award positions, even after their first year of study. 

This year are students are working on these exciting and inspiring research projects:

Humaid Muhammad Agowun (Mathematics & Computing Science; Supervisor: Paul Muir) 

Tanisha Ballard (Chemistry; Supervisor: Clarissa Sit)

Continuing certain projects already initiated, my lab partners and I will be looking at improving plant growth, and potentially, pest control in crop production. This summer, hopefully we will be able to conduct field trials on various crops, as well as additional greenhouse and green roof trials this summer to investigate this.

Abigail Battson (Astrophysics; Supervisor: Vincent Hénault-Brunet)

I will be working on high-velocity stars in globular clusters. These stars are far too fast to have been produced by the typical cluster dynamics, and are likely produced by interactions between a binary star system and a black hole. My work involves finding these stars using the GAIA proper motion data and confirming that they are likely members of the cluster, with plans to apply this process to all the globular clusters I can. Eventually, I hope to analyze the three-body interactions that cause the star's high speed to discover what kind of black holes would produce the results observed.

Samantha Bennett (Environmental Science; Supervisor: Erin Cameron)

This summer I am going to be studying soil biodiversity and the effects of global change, climate change and invasive species on species distribution. I will spend part of the summer researching earthworms, looking into their distribution and dispersal. I am hoping to get the opportunity to go to Western Canada later in the summer to study the distribution of earthworms in Saskatchewan.

Hannah Birru (Economics; Supervisor: Joniada Milla)

Labour economics in Chile.

Abby Brouwer (Biology; Supervisor: Anne Dalziel)

Testing how freshwater tolerance evolves in stickleback or study the factors influencing hybridization rate and direction in killifishes. This work will involve collecting fish from the field, caring for fish brought back to the aquarium facilities, and conducting molecular and biochemical analyses in the lab.

Chloe Champion (Biology; Supervisor: Anne Dalziel)

Continuing field and molecular work in the Dalziel Lab on “Mechanisms affecting rates and directions of hybridization in killifish species producing asexual hybrids.”

Jakob Conrad (Mathematics; Supervisor: Mitja Mastnak)

The study and classfication of hopf algebras, using computational methods and tools, and studying the simultaneous triangularization of linear transformations and their corresponding chains of invariant subspaces.

Katrina Cruickshanks (Biology; Supervisor: Sean Haughian)

Analyzing lichen species of old growth forests of Nova Scotia to assist land managers with prioritizing conservation decisions. 

Myles Davidson (Psychology; Supervisor: Skye Stephens)

I am working with Dr. Skye Stephens on a prevention project for adults at risk of sexually offending against children. We are working on identifying what is considered best practice for preventing offending amongst this demographic.

Bryn de Chastelain (Political Science; Supervisor: Alexandra Dobrowolsky)

My research is supporting the development of an article by Dr. Dobrowolsky on the topic of feminist policy and gender equality in Canada. Specifically, I will be analyzing speeches and policy approaches under Pierre Elliott Trudeau and his son Justin Trudeau, demonstrating the shift (or lack thereof) in approach to feminist policy in Canada. This will inform a comparative analysis of the different political eras to showcase the realities of feminism and gender equality in Canada. 

Matthew Fancy (Marketing; Supervisor Tiffany Vu)

Helping to develop and test various theories in marketing pertaining to charitable giving and sustainability.

Mark Funnell (Geography & Environmental Studies; Supervisors: Matthew Novak & Khan Rahaman)

I am a first-year Geography undergrad working with the Wicked Problems Lab to assess the pandemic’s effect on local governance. This looks to answer how municipal government has been affected in Halifax and elsewhere in Canada through using qualitative data analysis software and other research methods.

Justin Gray (Mathematics and Computing Science; Supervisor: Stavros Konstantinidis)

A regular expression is a pattern that is used to match desirable word(s) in a text. Given a regular expression and a word, there are algorithms to determine if the regular expression matches the word; this is called the membership problem. This is often solved by converting the regular expression into an automaton, but can also be solved using other direct algorithms. My research will focus on algorithms and implementation of the membership problem for multi-dimensional word/regular expression tuples, which are studied in the area of what is formally known as rational word relations. This type of regular expressions is of current interest both in the theory of rational relations and their applications in areas like databases and computer security.

Samantha Henneberry (Chemistry; Supervisor: Rob Singer)

This summer I will be working with Dr. Singer and his team on a green chemistry project involving ionic organocatalysis. These ionic organocatalysts can potentially provide more green alternatives to traditional organic liquids. Another project involves the N-demethylation of opioids, using sonochemical / ultrasound methods. This project falls under the medicinal side of organic chemistry, and may even be published by the end of the summer.”

Jacob Hoare (Chemistry; Supervisor: Rob Singer)

Sam Julien (Chemistry; Supervisor: Christa Brosseau)

I am a 4th year chemistry honours student. I will be developing a novel biosensor for rapid detection of cardiac biomarkers. This technology may be useful for the early evaluation of heart attacks before the onset of physical symptoms.

Amy Kehoe (Engineering; Supervisor: Adel Merabet)

Maggie Kelly (Biology; Supervisor: Laura Weir)

I will be working with Dr. Weir and her study of the mating behaviour of Japanese Medaka fish.

Madison Kieffer (Modern Languages and Classics; Supervisor: Sveva Svavelli)

Processing artifacts and organizing documentation from the archaeological excavation at the Oenotrian-Greek site of Incoronata “greca” (Pisticci-Basilicata-Italy) (8th- 6th c. BCE). Current investigation of the site focuses on the relationships formed between Indigenous populations in southern Italy and incoming Greeks in the wider context of Greek colonialism and imperialism in the ancient Mediterranean.

Mayara Mejri (Biology; Supervisor: David Chiasson)

Nam Nguyen (Accounting; Supervisor: Vasiliki Athanasakou)

I am super passionate about working in the accounting and taxation field. I am currently participating in the research project of Professor Athanasakou to perform analysis on corporate reporting, and I am working full-time as an Excise Tax Examiner at the Canada Revenue Agency.  I am interested in this topic as I have the opportunity to review and evaluate annual reports and information forms from many different companies. Working with Professor Athanasakou and learning from her stories and experience will allow me to learn and gain more handy skills and knowledge, and this would help in pursuing my CPA designation.

Narmeen Oozer (Mathematics & Computing Science; Supervisor Mitja Mastnak)

Bibek Parajuli (Psychology; Supervisor: Arla Day)

Gwen Pearson (Women & Gender Studies/Criminology; Supervisors: Byers/Collins)

Collecting existing data and research on the subject in the media, including television shows and documentaries. I will examine the content relating to many different aspects like story arc, genre, and how characters are portrayed. I also expect to learn skills relating to criminology, media studies, and research, that will likely benefit me as I complete my degree. 

Bernice Perry (History; Supervisor: Heather Green)

Working alongside Professor Green and her collaborators on the Northern Borders Project, researching first and secondary sources for developing an open access online teaching module, surrounding aspects of borders and boundaries in the North. This project entails looking at physical borders and cultural and racial boundaries using scholarly and local perspectives. There is also an opportunity for independent research surrounding the project themes, which may be featured in the teaching module.

Grace Robertson (Environmental Science; Supervisor: Tony Charles)

I will be compiling and analysing case studies and other information from around the world on the collapse of fish stocks and fisheries, leading to a published report. I will also be working with simulation modelling of the impacts of marine protected areas on fisheries and marine biodiversity. Lastly, I will be engaging in the work of the Community Conservation Research Network through research and outreach activities.

Jacqueline Shaw (Psychology; Supervisor: Kevin Kelloway)

Working with Dr. Kelloway and his research group to study organizational response to the Covid-19 outbreak, as well as psychological injuries at work, stress interventions, and the relationship between personality and organizational outcomes.

Jaylynn Skeete (Psychology; Supervisor: Nicole Conrad)

I will be assisting Dr. Conrad with her research on the relationship between spelling and reading comprehension, and with statistical input and analysis as well as creating my own research study and design. 

Ashley Ta (Management; Supervisor: Terry Wagar)

Applying human resource concepts to sports teams, coaches, and athletes. I will also be assisting in writing literary reviews, assembling data, and conducting interviews. 

Devin Williams (Astrophysics; Supervisor: Marcin Sawicki)

Analyzing data and images from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and other giant ground-based telescopes to study galaxy morphology, and learn how galaxies form, grow, and evolve in the early Universe.

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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Saint Mary's Hosts: Black Business Initiatives - 25 Years & Beyond

A screen capture from the event.

On April 20, the Sobey School of Business Community Revitalization & Prosperity Network launched a conversation series with the Nova Scotia-based Black Business Initiative (BBI), the longest serving Black business development initiative in Canada.

The first conversation, called Black Business Initiatives: 25 Years & Beyond, featured BBI CEO Dr. Rustum Southwell, Cynthia Dorrington, President of Vale & Associates Human Resource Management and Consulting Inc. and Dr. Harvi Millar, Professor of Operations Management at the Sobey School of Business.

The panellists spoke to Dr. Harjeet Bhabra, Dean of the Sobey School, about the history of Black-owned businesses in Nova Scotia and the work that remains to be done to remove barriers to success, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In his remarks, Dr. Southwell noted that Black-owned businesses have contributed over a billion dollars to the Nova Scotia economy in the 25 years since BBI was founded. Innovations by Black entrepreneurs in Nova Scotia include the world-class medical company BioMedica Diagnostics of Windsor (founded by Abdullah Kirumira) and SureShot Solutions of Lower Sackville, which provides highly specialized equipment for many of the world’s most successful coffee chains (founded by CEO Michael Duck).

Despite a long history of business success and over 200 years of African Nova Scotians in the province, Ms. Dorrington noted that due to systemic barriers, it can be difficult for Black entrepreneurs and small business owners to access necessary financing, coaching, advisory services and many of the other keys to business success. As a result, these businesses are often prevented from achieving their full potential. “To grow beyond a certain level, you must work on your business, not just in your business,” she said.

Black entrepreneurs are also often shut out of certain sectors, like aerospace and information technology, due to systemic barriers. Dorrington said we need to “think big… and provide mentorship and coaching to help business owners see the next big opportunities.”       

Dr. Harvi Millar presented recent research into how Black-owned businesses have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that surveyed businesses are facing challenges including cash flow, reductions in operating capacity, declining customer bases and temporary or permanent business closures.

The research shows that in addition to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Black business owners face barriers including racial bias, lack of scale, insufficient access to wealth and collateral, lack of peer-to-peer support networks and limited market access.

Dorrington noted that these barriers are often built into unfair and outdated systems that we must now work to redesign. “These systems didn't have all voices at the table when they were designed,” she said. “This is the time. If you're going to address it, you have to look at the system and really assess what is working and what is not. We must take the initiative and get rid of what isn't working.”

Dr. Southwell noted that “no Black person – no matter how wealthy or successful in business – hasn’t felt marginalized at some point in their life.”

To lift up Black businesses, Dorrington said we must acknowledge systemic racism as a first step. “We must come together to navigate. Until you face those barriers you don't see them. People who have navigated them in the past, we can put our heads together but speak with one voice.”

The next conversation, to be scheduled shortly, will explore Barriers to Doing Business for Black Entrepreneurs: Access to Capital Market. Visit the Community Revitalization & Prosperity Network to learn more.

Entrepreneurship student wins Frank H. Sobey Award

The Sobey School of Business is thrilled to announce Morgan Baker-Tucker, a fourth year Entrepreneurship student, has won a Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies. Morgan is one of nine business students from Atlantic Canadian universities who have been named recipients of the generous $30,000 awards. 

The winners of the Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies were chosen from 32 exceptional nominations provided by the Deans of their respective business schools, based on their entrepreneurship, supporting the communities in which they live and work, their employment experience and academic excellence.

Morgan exhibits the entrepreneurial spirit of Atlantic Canada, saying her career aspiration is to run her own non-profit, ideally here on the East Coast. She says that winning the Frank H. Sobey Award has also allowed her to consider going to grad school, an opportunity she wouldn’t have previously thought possible.

The excellence of SMU's Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation recognized by major gift

The excellence of Saint Mary's University's Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MTEI) program is being recognized by a major gift from a leading figure in Canada's business and entrepreneurship community.

Rishbah Arora, MTEI student; Dr. Robert Steele, DComm’18; and Laura Russell, MTEI student.

"I have always been impressed by Saint Mary's University and the Sobey School of Business. From my time as a student and in every interaction I have with a Saint Mary's student going back decades," says Dr. Robert Steele DComm'18. "I have seen the impact that a strong business foundation from Saint Mary's provides students. I know that through this gift, Saint Mary's will be able to continue to attract amazing students from Atlantic Canada, Canada and around the world to the MTEI program and the Sobey School. Students will learn from great professors and receive the support they need to successfully develop their business ideas and start-ups into thriving businesses that will give back to the economic vitality of our region."

Dr. Steele is investing a $2 million philanthropic gift in the Sobey School of Business' Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation program which will enable it to double the size of the program, create new resources for research in the area of entrepreneurship, and support students by providing scholarships and awards to student entrepreneurs.

Over ten years, three major initiatives will be supported by this gift. They are:

• The Steele MTEI Scholarships: These scholarships will support bright, creative and motivated students who have chosen the MTEI program to help them achieve their dreams of being an entrepreneur.
  

• The Steele Entrepreneurship Awards: These entrepreneurship awards will be awarded to MTEI student entrepreneurs who are in the earliest stages of starting new businesses.
  

• The Steele Professorship in Entrepreneurship in the Sobey School of Business: This new professorship will provide additional capacity and support to expand and broaden entrepreneurship research intensity at the Sobey School. 

“This gift reflects the outstanding success of our MTEI program over the past six years and recognizes the tremendous impact of the program on entrepreneurship and innovation in Atlantic Canada,” says Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. “Saint Mary’s and the Sobey School of Business are the entrepreneurship leaders in our region, and programs like MTEI show why we are part of a rising entrepreneurship tide both nationally and internationally.” 

“On behalf of Saint Mary’s University, the Sobey School of Business, and the MTEI program, I want to thank Dr. Steele for his commitment to the continued success of our institution and entrepreneurship in Atlantic Canada and beyond,” says President Summerby-Murray.  

The Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Saint Mary’s University is a comprehensive, cross-sector program that combines the knowledge and skills of a management program with marketing, leadership, finance, accounting, communications, economics and information technology. Alumni from the program have started their own companies ranging from rope-less lobster traps to companies specializing in customized lighting, water quality measurement, and training for recreation gaming to e-sports. Alumni have also added value to companies by bringing their MTEI expertise to management at different businesses. Those business areas include companies that deal with cybersecurity, virtual conferencing solutions, and transitioning traditionally retail-based services to at-home delivery.   

“The Sobey School of Business is preparing the next generation of Canadian entrepreneurs and researchers in business and entrepreneurship,” says Dr. Harjeet Bhabra, Dean of the Sobey School of Business. “With the rapid change this year in how businesses operate, programs focused on the integration of technology and innovation like MTEI are more important now than ever before. With this gift, we can continue to expand the scope of the program, engage more entrepreneurs and researchers in growing knowledge creation and expanding the entrepreneurship and start-up sector.”

Stayers and leavers: new SMU research looks closely at immigration in Nova Scotia

Dr. Ather Akbari

Who immigrates to Nova Scotia, who stays, leaves, and why is the focus of a recently released report from Dr. Ather Akbari, a professor with Saint Mary’s University’s Sobey School of Business. 

The report, Immigration in Nova Scotia: Who Comes, Who Stays, Who Leaves and Why?, was prepared for the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration. Its main purpose was to investigate why immigrants choose Nova Scotia as their destination in Canada and why some stay in the province while others leave.   

“Evidence-based research is important for policymakers to make the best decisions for Nova Scotians. They need to have a clear picture of what attracts immigrants to this province and what is their experience,” says Dr. Akbari. “My research helps to form a picture of the Nova Scotian immigrant experience, the successes and the areas that may need some changes.”  

This report marks the third report in a series of research reports. The first project report used 2016 Canadian Census data to study general mobility patterns of Nova Scotia immigrants. The second report presented a literature review on mobility motivations of individuals and their location choice. This third and final report analyzed the results of an online survey of 2,815 immigrants, representing a total of about 28,600 who arrived in Canada during 2011-2018 with either the intention to go to Nova Scotia or who lived in Nova Scotia at some point during the eight-year period. Focus group interviews were also held in Nova Scotia, Alberta and Ontario. 

When it comes to stayers and leavers, approximately 74 percent of immigrants who had arrived during 2011-2018 were still living in the province or 21,210 in total.  

“I think the most validating find for many Nova Scotians from this report is the positive comments from both immigrants who stayed and those who left, on the quality of life in our province and community safety,” says Dr. Akbari. “Both of these areas received the top satisfaction ratings from both those who stayed and those who left. When comparing Nova Scotia with other provinces, the top two features that received better ratings for Nova Scotia were community safety and cost of accommodation. If we can leverage these with increased employment opportunities and employer involvement in the immigration process, there is a real opportunity to continue to increase the immigration retention rate.”  

The main reason respondents gave for having left the province or for their intention to leave were to seek better employment opportunities.

The survey data indicates that economic opportunity is the most pervasive factor that encourages immigrants to remain in Nova Scotia. Many immigrants who leave Nova Scotia mention economic opportunities as the main reason they left. Many also note they reluctantly decided to go as they miss the positive social interactions and other aspects of living in the province. Opportunities are mainly related to finding a job and extending to finding the right position, or one that fits their level of education, skills and experience. 

The report recommends that immigrant attraction should focus on economic immigrants who come with their families. For their settlement and integration, employer involvement such as in the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program, is an important step taken at federal and provincial levels. Initiatives to strengthen immigrants’ social connectedness by encouraging volunteering, sports and recreation activities can also help raise their and their family’s satisfaction with living in Nova Scotia. 

Dr. Akbari is the Chair of Atlantic Research Group on Economics of Immigration, Aging and Diversity (ARGEIAD). To read this report, or learn more about ARGEIAD, visit https://smu.ca/centres-and-institutes/atlantic-research-group.html.

Women in the finance industry making change focus of day-long Sobey School of Business event

Women working in business and finance came together to discuss change and the future of the financial services industry at a day-long event hosted by Saint Mary's University's Sobey School of Business.

Keynote speaker Catherine Philogène, CIM, RIPC, Vice President, Product Management, RBC Global Asset Management Inc.

"Canadian businesses know the benefit of diversity, achieving gender parity and the risk of not doing so," says Karn Nichols, the event organizer and manager of Career Services with the Sobey School of Business. "This event is about building a more equitable and inclusive field in financial services and helping to support all women by building community."

The event, Women in Financial Services: Making Change, reflects the history and the future of women in the financial services industry. The early history of the sector often limited women to teller windows, cashing cheques and literally making change. At the same time, their male colleagues leapfrogged to corner offices and roles in wealth management, capital markets and commercial lending. Today, the value of diversity is proven to add value for all stakeholders and add trillions to North America's gross domestic product (GDP). Banks and other financial services companies are actively recruiting women to help them make change, by taking on non-traditional roles, moving into C-suite leadership, offering their talent in developing and programming fintech, and building support for entrepreneurs and venture capital.

"The Sobey School of Business has always valued and supported initiatives that contribute to our understanding of important issues like increasing diversity and representation in business," says Dr. Harjeet Bhabra, dean of the Sobey School of Business. "I am very pleased that we are taking a leading role in this area and would like to thank everyone involved in organizing this event, for bringing our community together during challenging times to discuss the importance of diversity and representation."

At the event, participants heard from diverse voices and actively participated in workshopping solutions to boost and improve women's representation and increase diversity throughout financial services, including the C-suite and the board room. Participants also had the opportunity to connect with potential mentors or mentees. 

The event featured three streams of interactive workshops on women and diversity in financial services, women, fintech and venture capital financing, and corporate social responsibility in finance. The keynote speaker was Catherine Philogène, CIM, RIPC, Vice President, Product Management, RBC Global Asset Management Inc.

For more details on the event, the keynote speaker, panelists and more, visit https://smu.ca/sobeywib/ .

Retail excellence celebrated at the 4th annual National Retail Innovation Awards

Dr. David Sobey, CM, at the National Retail Innovation Awards in 2019

The excellence of three Canadian retailers was recognized at the 4th annual National Retail Innovation Awards, presented by the David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retailing and Services, located at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax.

"This is our 4th Annual National Retail Awards, and it is a great pleasure to recognize three outstanding, up-and-coming Canadian retailers for their innovation this year,” says Dr. Ramesh Venkat, director of the David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retailing and Services. “The big lessons for retailers from the past six months are the need for nimbleness, innovation customer focus, and social consciousness. Our award winners exemplify these virtues."

This year’s winners are:

• DUER, winner of the Retail Business Model Innovation Award

• Knix, winner of the Retail Technology Innovation Award

• Vessi Footwear, winner of the Community Service Innovation Award

Retail Business Model Innovation Award winner DUER was founded in 2013 and is based in Vancouver. They feature modern jeans and pants that meet the needs of the active with performance, comfort, and style. They create and market a prototype of a product: new washes, new colours, or a completely new style. Customers place orders, and then if enough of the design is purchased, DUER puts it into production and delivers the garment in four to six weeks. Their products are sold online and at three DUER store locations. 

Retail Technology Innovation Award winner Knix was founded in 2013 and is based in Toronto. Knix makes wireless bras, sports bras, period-proof underwear, loungewear and more. Their clothes are designed with comfort in mind. In response to the pandemic, Knix switched its annual warehouse sale to an online format. Sale volumes rose and turned a three-day event into an event that sold out in only four hours. They also launched a virtual fitting program that allows customers to do a video chat, during which a Knix consultant can help customers find products and assist them with determining the right size. 

Community Service Innovation Award winner Vessie Footwear is based in Vancouver and was founded in 2017. They sell the world's first 100 percent waterproof knit shoe. This online retailer has given away 2,000 free sneakers to health-care workers, launched a 'pay what you can' model to donate 400,000 face masks, and created a Community Fund Program to give away $100,000 for initiatives launched in the community. It also started Vessi TV, giving the community ways to stay healthy and cope with the coronavirus crisis. 

“As the largest private-sector employer in the country, retailers in Canada hold a critical role in our economy,” noted Diane J. Brisebois, President & CEO of Retail Council of Canada (RCC) and a member of the David Sobey Advisory Council. “This year has been particularly challenging for retailers. To succeed in the post-pandemic retail world, Canadian retailers must adjust to new realities and new patterns of consumer behaviour. To grow and prosper in this new environment, our retailers must continue to innovate in technology, customer experience, store design, supply chain, and much more. We applaud this year’s winners as they embody innovative thinking and customer care – Congratulations to Knix, DUER and Vessi Footwear."

The National Retail Innovation Awards celebrates Canadian retailers' achievements and retailers who have demonstrated innovation and excellence in the industry. The awards are hosted by the David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retailing and Services, part of Saint Mary's University's Sobey School of Business. The awards close a very successful Retail Month that featured panels and discussion on e-commerce and the future of retailing, women in retail, and sustainable retailing.   

Founded in 2014, the David Sobey Centre for Innovation in Retailing and Services funds research projects relevant to the retail sector, sponsors retail innovation and student competitions, and offers executive education for the retail industry.