Challenge Yields Confidence for Saint Mary's Alumna Sage Outerbridge

Sage Outerbridge

Challenges and setbacks are a part of life, and for Sage Outerbridge BComm’19 MBA’21, they are just steps to overcome. “Life changes,” she says, “You just need to adapt.”

Outerbridge found herself adapting quickly when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020. Rather than pressing pause on her life, she took the opportunity to further her education, start a business, and find a way to give back to her community.

As lockdowns and public health restrictions closed many businesses to the public, Outerbridge saw possibility within the limitations.

“I felt like I had become a part of a family in my MBA program”

— Sage Outerbridge

“Gyms aren’t open, so why don’t I create a business selling fitness gear? That way, people will be able to work out from home with proper equipment,” she says of So ConFitdent, her e-commerce fitness store. With messaging focused on building confidence through fitness, Outerbridge’s positive outlook shines clearly through her business.

Mid-pandemic, Outerbridge also returned to Saint Mary’s to pursue her MBA. While online schooling proved challenging for many, she and her classmates worked hard to help and support each other.

“I felt like I had become a part of a family in my MBA program,” she says. “The experience helped me grow both as a team player and as a leader. The self-confidence I gained in my MBA led me to seize opportunities I never would have before.”

One such opportunity is to work as a Field Officer for the Black Business Initiative (BBI), one of four intermediaries of the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative (SBCCI). The BBI’s vision is a dynamic and vibrant black presence within the Nova Scotia business community. Outerbridge’s role is to interface with businesses that have been awarded funding, and then help to provide ongoing support.

“The MBA program courses that I took really ignited my passion for corporate-social responsibility and social enterprise,” she says. “I’m glad I’m a part of an organization helping black-led businesses that might not have been able to receive support because of systemic barriers they face. Igniting change through work makes me very proud.”

Hailing from Hamilton Parish in Bermuda, Outerbridge first came to Saint Mary’s University in 2015 to pursue her Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and Economics. Moving from Bermuda to Halifax was a stark change but, looking back, even then Outerbridge focused on the positives.

“My school back in Bermuda had a population of about 400 people,” she says. “Saint Mary’s University’s small community and international reputation brought me a lot of comfort. Despite how different my living situation was, I was able to feel at home.”

While Outerbridge has demonstrated resiliency throughout her education and career thus far, she says that kind of confidence only comes when you believe in yourself, in particular in the face of challenge

“Throughout my life, I’ve had moments where I’ve doubted my own capabilities,” she says. “You may not always feel ready when an opportunity presents itself, but you never know until you try, and you need to take that plunge to grow as a person. Confidence grows as you challenge yourself.”

Learn more about the MBA program at the Sobey School of Business.

The CFA Ethics Challenge: an opportunity for professional growth

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In early February, five students from the Sobey School of Business’s Master of Finance (MFin) program competed in the CFA Societies Canada Ethics Competition. This competition, run by the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Societies Canada, aims to prepare students for the ethical decision-making that comes with their future careers. In between a tight academic schedule of assignments and midterms, the team was tasked with analyzing and presenting a case study given to them by the local CFA society, CFA Society Atlantic Canada.  

“A lot of work goes into competing in the CFA Ethics Competition,” says Ross Hallett, faculty advisor for the competition and Academic Co-Director of the Sobey School of Business’s IMPACT fund. “Once the team is set up, they have 2 weeks from the time they’re given the case to prepare their presentation. There is a fixed number of hours that I’m allowed to mentor them, so a lot of their preparation is self-directed.”  

At the end of their preparation window, teams present their analysis of the case and their recommendations to a panel of judges. “Every team is allocated 10 minutes to present the case, which is then followed by 10 minutes of questions by the judging panel,” explains Student Team Coordinator Souvik Sinha. “We researched a real case study which had multiple ethical issues, and as a team, we identified these violations and shared our recommendations.” 

The CFA Ethics Challenge is a significant undertaking. Students are not only tasked with studying the case given to them; they must also demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the CFA Ethics curriculum and be able to present their findings within a short time limit.  

Despite the amount of work that went into preparing for the CFA Ethics Challenge, the team stressed that it was a highly beneficial experience for them. “The challenge was a fantastic learning experience that instilled in me a great deal of confidence,” says competitor Behnam Hajimomenian. “We were able to greatly develop our teamwork and presentation skills.” 

An additional benefit to participating in the CFA Ethics Challenge is that it prepares MFin students for the ethical portion of the CFA Exam, which all MFin students must take at the end of their program. When asked if they would recommend future MFin students participate in the CFA Ethics Challenge, the team’s answer was a resounding ‘yes’.  

“It is a challenge that will give you the opportunity for experiential learning as you analyze and present a case,” shares competitor Manuel García Ramírez when asked for details. “You have the opportunity to develop your presentation skills, work as a team, and build your network by meeting experts in the financial industry.” 

Double-silver at VCIC: Students’ success highlights a unique entrepreneurial environment

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Graduate Team: Top row (l-r): Ossama Nasrallah, Subburaj Karupppasamy, Shubhra Singh. Bottom row (l-r): Sayeda Nahabub, Spencer Doue

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Undergraduate Team (l-r): Shashwat Duggal, Morgan Baker-Tucker, Reece Labbee, Nicholas Perrin, Dr. Ellen Farrell, Brett Himmelman

This past weekend, students from the Sobey School of Business made history. Competing in the New England division of the Venture Capital Investment Competition (VCIC) hosted by Boston University, the two teams of five, one at the undergraduate level and one at the graduate level, placed second in their respective divisions, beating out teams from top-tier American schools that included Cornell, Tufts, Babson and New York University. While the Sobey School of Business teams have placed high in past VCIC events, both teams winning the silver medals back-to-back is unprecedented.

“It was definitely a very emotional experience,” says Shashwat Duggal of the undergraduate team. “The whole team could not believe it when the results came out. We were really happy at the end that we came second, and we lost first place by a very narrow margin.”

VCIC is an international competition, hosting upwards of 50 individual events across four continents. While there is a Canadian competition, it is hosted at Saint Mary’s University thus our students compete south of the border to avoid conflicts of interest. Dr. Ellen Farrell, Professor of Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship and organizer of the VCIC teams, sees this as a benefit. SMU students are able to compete against top American universities, acting as venture capitalists investing in start-ups. Their choices and their reasoning are judged by a panel of experts.

“We prepared for three weeks,” shared Shubhra Singh, a graduate student in the Master of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MTEI) program. “We worked non-stop for 36 hours [before the competition] to gather information about the start-ups that were given to us. The competition gave us opportunity to network with real venture capitalists, and their feedback was very critical and realistic.”

The graduate and undergraduate teams both taking home silver speaks not only to their hard work and dedication, but also to the wealth of knowledge they’ve gained as students of the Sobey Business School. Morgan Baker-Tucker of the undergraduate team highlighted how SMU’s unique programs have guided her path. “The Entrepreneurship program at Saint Mary’s University has a heavy focus on venture capital and start-ups. After taking one class with Dr. Farrell in my third year, I knew I had a lot more to learn about venture capital, and I was most certainly right.”

Dr. Farrell’s contribution to Entrepreneurship programs at the Sobey School of Business and to the success of students cannot be overstated. Dean Harjeet Bhabra summarized this sentiment in his congratulatory message to the teams. “In addition to recognizing the excellent performance of our students, I would like to sincerely congratulate and acknowledge the passionate leadership of Dr. Ellen Farrell, whose relationships and connections have successfully linked our academic programs to the venture capital entrepreneurial ecosystem, where she is a recognized figure.”

The Sobey School of Business is a leading Canadian business school and has an international reputation for excellence in Entrepreneurship programs. “I joined the Sobey School of Business in September 2021,” says Shubhra Singh, “and in just five months, it has given me opportunities to network with early-stage start-ups, participate in pitch presentations, and most importantly collaborate with venture capitalist organizations and understand how this entire ecosystem works. This a learning of a lifetime.”

Shashwat Duggal agrees with Singh. “The most impactful thing that’s come from studying [venture capitalism] has been the networking opportunities with venture capitalists and start-ups from the business community. As part of the [venture capital] course we regularly meet with venture capitalists from the industry, which has been really impactful for me.”

While VCIC was a unique, hands-on opportunity for students to act as venture capitalists investing in start-ups, this competition is a small facet of what is available to SMU students. “There are always opportunities in front of you, it's up to you to decide how you want to be a part of it,” counsels Sayeda Nabila Mahabub of the graduate team. “Either you are a spectator, or a participant. The Entrepreneurship program will throw many opportunities at you, I suggest you grab them and make the most of them. Opportunities won't wait for you.”

We would like to once again congratulate both the undergraduate and graduate teams on their success!

School of Business Impact Speaker Series launches with ‘Elevating Indigenous Businesses’ event

The recent event on campus regarding Elevating Indigenous Businesses was a celebration and exposition of Indigenous culture and business teachings. The inaugural event in the Sobey School of Business Impact Speaker Series saw faculty, staff, students and community members in attendance to hear from the panelists led by moderator Cassandra Dorrington (BComm'81, EMBA'00). 

The Premier of Nova Scotia, Tim Houston (BComm'92), a guest speaker, noted that he intends to come to campus more often. President Rob Summerby-Murray spoke about the importance of this and other ongoing initiatives that allow the university to engage with Indigenous communities, strengthen intercultural research and curriculum, and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action.

Emceed by Kyle Cook, VP Advocacy, SMUSA, the event featured special guests such as Ian Smith, CEO of Clearwater Seafoods LP, and Heather DeBlois (BComm'96), Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Sobeys Inc. The event featured special cultural elements, presented by Indigenous Elder, Cathy Martin, and drumming and dancing from Garett Gloade, Patience Sylliboy from Millbrook First Nation, Jingle Dress and expert Indigenous Business owner and panelist of Jesse Benjamin of Eskasoni Mi'kmaw Nation, Fancy Shawl. In addition to Jesse Benjamin, the panelists also included Michael Maracle-Polak (BComm'14), entrepreneur, and Chef Stephane Levac.

Event recording

Business Excellence: Sobey School of Business Ranks 4th in Canada, 13th Overall in Better World MBA Rankings

Amid a business landscape that underwent drastic changes due to the global pandemic, the Saint Mary’s University Sobey School of Business continued to excel, ranking 4th in Canada and 13th overall in the Corporate Knights Better World MBA Ranking. This is the second year in a row that the Sobey School’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) program has ranked 13th. 

“Our program emphasizes responsible leadership and innovation, two values that have been critical for businesses to successfully navigate the significant industry changes we’ve seen over the past 20 months,” says Dr. Chantal Hervieux, MBA Program Coordinator and Associate Professor with the Sobey School of Business. “I am proud to see the great work over the past year of our professors, researchers, students, and staff reflected in our rank and increased score.” 

In 2020, Corporate Knights uncovered a noticeable rise in faculty research and core courses aligned with United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and this trend accelerated in 2021. These developments reflect greater demand from students to train for meaningful work to help solve the serious social and environmental problems that threaten our common future. 

“Every MBA program in the world should be instilling holistic purpose in leaders, ensuring they have the skills, tools and values to build a more inclusive, healthier economy that’s beneficial to society and in harmony with the natural world, and the Better World business schools are leading the way,” said Toby Heaps, CEO of Corporate Knights. 

To determine the ranking, Corporate Knights evaluated 147 MBA’s, including the 2021 Financial Times 100 Global MBA programs, every program that made the 2020 Top 40 in the Corporate Knights Better World MBA Ranking, and select MBA programs accredited by AMBA, AACSB or EQUIS, and/or signatories of the Principles for Responsible Management Education that opted in for evaluation. 

“The Sobey School of Business is a top destination in Canada for future business leaders, and Corporate Knight’s rankings reflect this,” says Dr. Harjeet Bhabra, Dean of the Sobey School of Business. “The Sobey School’s MBA program is a challenging but rewarding program where students gain unique local and global business experience with an emphasis on responsible leadership in an immersive intercultural environment that prepares them to excel in regional to global markets. Business excellence is synonymous with our MBA program and the Sobey School of Business.”  

Click here for more information about the Corporate Knights Better World MBA Rankings.  

Sobey School of Business to launch Impact Speaker Series with Elevating Indigenous Businesses

The Sobey School of Business Impact Speaker Series will launch on Friday, November 19 with its inaugural event, Elevating Indigenous Businesses.

“At Saint Mary’s, we want to build a world without limits. To do that, we need to elevate diverse voices and foster new and diverse ideas.” said Robert Summerby-Murray, President of Saint Mary’s University. “That is exactly what this new speaker series will do.”

The Sobey School of Business Impact Speaker Series seeks to elevate diverse, intercultural perspectives of rising and global leaders, with the aim of inspiring reflection and action among our students, faculty, partners and community. Through these conversations, the school hopes to foster new generations of informed and engaged change makers, who will create positive impact in our communities and our world.

“The purpose of the Elevating Indigenous Businesses event is to actively consider what the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report means in our business school environment and context,” said Harjeet Bhabra, Dean of the Sobey School of Business. “It is part of an essential, ongoing conversation to ensure we are providing opportunities for recognition, reflection and reconciliation.”

Elevating Indigenous Businesses features Indigenous cultural performances, including dancing and drumming, a keynote address from prominent academic and author, Carol Anne Hilton, and a panel discussion among established and emerging Indigenous businesspeople, Michael Maracle-Polak, Jesse Benjamin and Chef Stéphane Levac.

In her remarks, Carol Anne Hilton will discuss the importance of Indigenous worldview and knowledge in developing a more sustainable Canadian economy. “As the world converges on an economic identity crisis of its own making, the inclusion and re-valuing of Indigenous worldview and knowledge in economy and business is paramount,” she said. “I am looking forward to bringing this conversation to students, faculty and the community at Sobey School of Business to discuss how they can contribute to this work in meaningful ways.”

The Elevating Indigenous Businesses Event and Sobey School Impact Speaker Series is made possible by a generous $18 million gift from the Sobey family, Sobey Foundation, and Sobeys Inc. and Empire Group Limited, the largest gift in the history of the university.

Elevating Indigenous Businesses will take place on Friday, November 19 from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the SMU Scotiabank Theatre. For more information or to register for this free, in-person event, please visit our website.

The Circular Economy, Sustainability, and Transformation Focus of Third Annual Sobey School Responsible Leadership Day

Unprecedented demand for goods and services, supply chain strain, and actions related to climate change are all important factors that require transformation according to an emerging economic model. This model, called the Circular Economy, is the focus of the third annual Sobey School of Business’s Responsible Leadership event at Saint Mary’s University.

“The circular economy model is an emerging response to our most pressing challenges,” says David Runnalls, the event’s keynote speaker and a Distinguished Fellow with the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD). “It provides governments, businesses and consumers with an approach to maximize value and eliminate waste by improving, and in some cases transforming, how goods and services are designed, manufactured and used.”

 The Sobey School of Business’s Responsible Leadership event, Circular Economy: The Economy For the Future? takes place this Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, from 8:45 a.m. to 11: 45 a.m. AST. Registration is available to attend in-person or online at www.smu.ca/responsibleleadership. This event aligns with the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), of which the Sobey School is a 2020-2022 PRME Champion.   

“The circular economy presents an enormous challenge for Canadian business since most of our exports are in resource and energy consumptive sectors,” adds Runnalls. “But it also offers numerous opportunities for enterprises, large and small. We will examine how companies and supportive government policies can take advantage of these opportunities.”  

In addition to the keynote, the event features a panel discussion with business and community members called The Circular Economy: Opportunities and challenges for Atlantic Canada, a sustainable development goals showcase, and student challenge called Rethink, React, Remodel, The Circular Economy Challenge.

 “The Sobey School of Business wants to be a driver of innovation, exemplified by this year’s focus on progressive, forward-thinking models such as the Circular Economy,” says Dr. Margaret McKee, Associate Dean with the Sobey School of Business. “This event brings top Canadian economists and policy analysts together with top researchers, business leaders and students to discuss the challenges of today and work towards a more prosperous and inclusive future.”

Meet the new Sobey National Innovators and Sobey MBA Scholars

The 2021 Sobey National Innovators.
Top row (left to right): Rylee Pearl, Adam Culbert, Isabella MacKay, Alyssa MacDonald, Arthur (Sandy) Hiltz. Bottom row (left to right): Mackenzie Kearnery, Braden Marshall, Finn Kimball, Rahjay Brown, Abigail Duggan

Saint Mary’s University and the Sobey School of Business are proud to announce the newest recipients of the 2021 Sobey National Innovator and Sobey MBA Scholarships.   

The Sobey National Innovator and Sobey MBA Scholarships are presented to exceptional students from across Canada in recognition of their accomplishments, and as encouragement and support for their success at Saint Mary’s Sobey School of Business. This scholarship program will support 150 students over a ten-year period, inspiring the best and brightest graduate and undergraduate business students in the country to come to Saint Mary’s University and the Sobey School of Business.  

The following is a list of the 2021 Sobey National Innovators:  

• Rahjay Brown 

• Adam Culbert 

• Abigail Duggan 

• Arthur Hiltz 

• Mackenzie Kearney 

• Finn Kimball 

• Alyssa MacDonald 

• Isabella Mackay 

• Braden Marshall 

• Rylee Pearl 
   

“On behalf of all recipients, I would like to thank the Sobey Family, The Sobey Foundation and Sobeys Inc. for this incredible award. It has truly been a gamechanger and has had an immense impact on my family and I already!” says Isabella Mackay. “There is so much to look forward to with all the amazing opportunities that come along with this award.” 
 

2021 Sobey MBA Scholarship recipients 

(Left to right): Kartikey Handa, Liam O’Brien

The following is a list of the 2021 Sobey MBA Scholars:  

• Kartikey Handa  

• Liam O’Brien 
   

“A huge thank you and a salute to the Sobey family for this gracious contribution towards building a better, more inclusive, and more sustainable future. It’s because of these benevolent gestures and kind contributions that individuals, both capable and smart, are able to expand their horizons and prepare themselves to better serve the society and the nation at large,” says Kartikey Handa.  

In 2019, Saint Mary’s University announced a historic gift of $18 million from the Sobey Family, The Sobey Foundation and Sobeys Inc. which established this transformative scholarship program as well as investments in entrepreneurship, faculty support, research and new space for the Sobey School of Business. 

“We are pleased to welcome the newest recipients as members of the 2021 cohort of Sobey National Innovators and Sobey MBA Scholars and welcome them to the Sobey School of Business and Saint Mary’s University” says the Sobey School of Business Dean, Dr. Harjeet Bhabra. “We look forward to seeing the impact they make while completing their studies at Saint Mary’s University.”  

These students join last year’s inaugural recipients as members of the Sobey Scholars Network, a special cohort that includes all current and past students, alumni, Chair holders, named Professors and Post-Doctoral Fellows who have been the recipients of philanthropic financial support from the Sobey Family, The Sobey Foundation, Sobeys Inc., and Empire Company Limited.  

“Congratulations to the new Sobey National Innovators and the Sobey MBA Scholarship recipients. This has been a year like no other, and your selection as recipients of these prestigious awards recognizes your hard work, talent and resilience”, says Saint Mary’s University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray.   

“We are grateful to the Sobey family, Sobeys Inc. and The Sobey Foundation for your ongoing commitment to student success,” adds President Summerby-Murray. “Together, we are creating a World without limits for our students.”  

To learn more about these scholarships and other areas of impact, please visit the Sobey Scholars Network website. 

Top Canadian Business Leaders Lead New Sobey School Programs

Bradley Farquhar and Joe Power

The next great wave of entrepreneurs is benefiting from the advice and expertise of three top Canadian business leaders joining the Sobey School of Business through the new Sobey Executive-In-Residence and Alumni-In-Residence programs. 

Ian D. Smith

Ian D. Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership, and Purple Cow Internet Co-founders and Saint Mary’s University alumni, Bradley Farquhar BComm’08 and Joe Power BComm’11 are the inaugural class of executives taking part in the new in-residence programs presented by the Sobey School of Business Community Revitalization & Prosperity Network. The network hosts in-residence programs, such as Executive-In-Residence (EIR) and Alumni-In-Residence (AIF), giving students access to some of Canada's and Nova Scotia’s top business leaders. They are selected based on their passion for entrepreneurship and their ability to provide students with a breadth of advice and information.

“The Sobey School of Business is proud to welcome Ian, Bradley, and Joe as our inaugural business leaders taking part in the new Sobey Executive-In-Residence and Alumni-In-Residence programs,” says Mohammad Rahaman, Associate Dean, Strategic Partnerships & Community Engagement at the Sobey School of Business. “They bring with them knowledge and expertise from which our students will greatly benefit. I appreciate their commitment to joining with us as we prepare the next generation of great Canadian entrepreneurs for success."

Ian D. Smith is the Chief Executive Officer of Clearwater Seafoods. Smith joined Clearwater in May 2010 and has over 33 years of international experience in the food and consumer products industry. Prior to joining Clearwater, Smith held senior leadership positions at the Campbell Soup Company within Canada, the United States and China. Prior to his time at Campbell’s, Smith held various marketing, sales and international business development positions with Allergan, Colgate-Palmolive and the Gillette Company.

Smith currently participates as a director on a number of boards and advisory councils focused on international trade and public policy, including the Business Council of Canada and the Asia Business Leaders Advisory Council of the Asia Pacific Foundation. He is a graduate of McGill University (BA Economics, MBA), a former Captain in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve and currently serves as Honorary Colonel of 36 Canadian Engineer Regiment located in the Province of Nova Scotia.

Bradley Farquhar graduated from Saint Mary’s University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, with a double major in finance and marketing. Farquhar is a native of Nova Scotia, aspiring astronaut, and co-founder of Purple Cow Internet. Future business goals include the building of space habitats that orbit the Earth to serve paying customers offering a once in a lifetime view of our blue marble. Passions include endurance challenges with notable accomplishments of swimming the English Channel, summiting Denali, running 250 miles across the Sahara Desert, and most recently racing 14 dogs a thousand miles across Alaska in the Iditarod race.

Joe Power grew up in Nova Scotia and graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a Bachelor of Commerce in 2011. In 2013, Power moved to the United States of America to chase his entrepreneurial goals in the green energy space. Since then, he has collected significant accolades such as receiving the INC 5000 fastest growing US business award three years in a row and the top Energy Reduction Company award for California five years running. Power loves playing hockey, IronMan triathlons, travel and time with family and friends. In 2019, Power decided to do something different. Power partnered with SMU grad, friend, and successful entrepreneur Brad Farquhar to co-found Purple Cow Internet. The goal was simple, drive change and cost for internet access in Nova Scotia. 

The term for the EIR and AIR programs is one year, and the executives begin their time with the Sobey School the start of November 2021. 

Celebrated Business Leader, Mental Health Advocate, and Philanthropist to Receive Honorary Degree from Saint Mary’s University

Michael H. McCain

Celebrated business leader, mental health advocate, and philanthropist Michael H. McCain will receive the highest honour Saint Mary's University can bestow, an honorary degree. 

"Home to the Sobey School of Business, the largest business school in Atlantic Canada, Saint Mary's University is a national leader in teaching and studying ethical and values-based business practices and community engagement. These themes are essential to a bright, inclusive and sustainable future," says Saint Mary's University President Dr. Robert Summerby-Murray. "It is our honour to recognize the accomplishments of a leading Canadian business leader who focuses on ethical and sustainable business practices and is known for his philanthropy and advocacy for enhancing food security and mental health services—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. 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 share across its businesses and a bold vision for the future.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this Doctor of Commerce from the Sobey School of Business.  It is particularly meaningful given that we share so many values in terms of business ethics, sustainability and food security,” says McCain. “As we move forward into a new decade changed by recent worldwide events, the next generation of business and community leaders will light our way forward. I am confident that we are in great hands.”

McCain and his team at Maple Leaf Foods are deeply committed to being the global leader in sustainable proteins, reflected in ambitious goals to improve nutrition, reduce antibiotic use in livestock, enhance animal care, advance environmental sustainability, and reduce food insecurity nationally and globally. 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.

McCain will receive his honorary Doctor of Commerce later this month at the university’s fall convocation ceremony.

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.