Brian Mulroney Institute of Government

Poster for upcoming event - Canada in a Changing World: The Future of the Feminist International Assistance Policy and Global Solidarity. Oct. 22, 2025. 7-8:30 pm, Mulroney Hall 3030. Logos - StFX | Brian Mulroney Institute of Government. StFX | Coady Institute. Join us for a Lunch and Learn with Dr. NIcholls, Oct. 22, 12 PM Mulroney Hall 4023.

The Mulroney Institute, StFX Development Studies, and
Coady Institute present:

Canada in a Changing World: The Future of the Feminist International Assistance Policy and Global Solidarity

🗓️ Oct. 22
🕖 7 PM
📍 MULH 3030
@stfx-university.bsky.social

*Lunch & Learn: Oct. 22 at noon in MULH 4023

A graphic promoting an upcoming event featuring Senator Kim Pate - Reconciliation requires us to decolonize, decriminalize and decarcerate. Oct. 15, 2025, 7-9 pm, Mulroney hall 2032. Logo: StFX | Brian Mulroney Institute of Government.

The Mulroney Institute welcomes The Honourable Kim Pate as part of the Sober Second Thinkers Speakers Series.

"Reconciliation Requires Us to Decolonize, Decriminalize, and Decarcerate"
Featuring Senator Pate
🗓️ Oct. 16, 2025 | 7-9 pm
📍 Mulroney Hall 2032
@stfx-university.bsky.social

A graphic featuring a photo of The Hon. Sandy Silver. Text: Inaugural Victor Dahdaleh Practitioner-in-Residence. Logo: StFX | Brian Mulroney Institute of Government.

A graphic featuring a photo of Sandy Silver and a quote: As the inaugural Victor Dahdaleh Practitioner-in-Residence, I have the honour of defining the position with the help of the extraordinary team at the Mulroney Institute for long-term success. I am looking forward to working with faculty, students, and staff, and I am excited to be back at my alma mater contribution to the community. Logo: StFX | Brian Mulroney Institute of Government

A graphic featuring details about a reception for the Hon. Sandy Silver as the inaugural Victor Dahdaleh Practitioner-in-Residence. Oct. 14, 2025, 3 p.m., Mulroney Hall, Notre Dame Entrance. Light Refreshments will be available. All are welcome. Logo: StFX | Brian Mulroney Institute of Government.

The Mulroney Institute at @stfx-university.bsky.social is pleased to announce The Hon. Sandy Silver (BA ‘94) as the inaugural Victor Dahdaleh Practitioner-in-Residence.

Learn more: bit.ly/46VVYQL

The in-person residency program will begin November 6, 2025.

A photo of orange ribbons tied on a fence. There is a building in the background.

Today is the National Day For Truth And Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. Today, we remember and honour the survivors, their families and communities, and those who never returned home.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission reports: nctr.ca/publications-and-reports/reports/

The Children Russia Stole from Ukraine | The Walrus Tens of thousands of children are being abducted, stripped of their identity, and taught to hate their homeland

Dr. Jamie Levin, the inaugural Tanenbaum Chair in Peace and Conflict at the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government, recently co-wrote an article with Sarah Treleaven that appeared in @thewalrus.ca.

"The Children Russia Stole from Ukraine"
Read it now: bit.ly/4pxqbOu

The Brian Mulroney Institute, Development Studies, and Coady Institute Present: The New Global (Dis)Order: The Crisis of Liberal Internationalism and Its Consequences. A panel event, featuring five speakers, and one moderator. Oct. 7, 2025. 7-9 pm. Mulroney Hal 4030.

UPCOMING PANEL EVENT
The New Global (Dis)Order: The Crisis of Liberal Internationalism and Its Consequences

🗓️ October 7, 2025 | 7-9 pm
Mulroney Hall 4030
@stfx-university.bsky.social

Presented by the Mulroney Institute, Development Studies, and Coady Institute.

The cover of a journal article: A Road to Resources in the Canadian Arctic. The Grays Bay Port and Road Project / Arctic Security Corridor. By Josh Kroker. In the NAADSN journal. The cover features a map and legend.

Joshua Kroker, PGOV '25, was recently published through the North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network (NAADSN).

"A Road to Resources in the Canadian Arctic: The Grays Bay Port and Road Project / Arctic Security Corridor."

Read it now: bit.ly/46PgPWV

A photo of Dr. Donald Oliver, and text: The Mulroney Institute is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of The Hon. Dr. Donald H. Oliver. Dr. Oliver was a trailblazer, becoming the first Black man in Canadian history to be appointed to the Senate. He was also a friend to the Institute, and will be sorely missed.

A photo of Dr. Donald Oliver standing in front of a podium. He is speaking into a microphone. Logo on the podium: St. Francis Xavier University.

A photo of a group of people around a boardroom table. Someone is holding up a cake, and the person beside them is smiling.

A photo of Dr. Donald Oliver seated in a chair in the replica of the PMO's office at the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government.

The Mulroney Institute is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of The Hon. Dr. Donald H. Oliver.

Dr. Oliver was a trailblazer, becoming the first Black man in Canadian history to be appointed to the Senate. He was also a friend to the Institute, and will be sorely missed.

A graphic promoting an upcoming event at the Halifax Public Library - Public Talk and Panel Discussion - Canada Alone: Navigating the Post-American World. Featuring Dr. Kim Richard Nossal. Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Halifax Central Library.

Join CIC Halifax for a Public Talk & Panel.
Featuring Dr. Kim Richard Nossal
Moderated by Dr. @asamckercher.bsky.social

🗓️ Thursday, Sept. 25
🕕 6 pm to 8:30 pm
📍 Paul O’Regan Hall, Halifax Central Library, 5440 Spring Garden Rd
Cost: Free
Register in advance: bit.ly/4pkublz

A poster promoting a free concert commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation featuring Alan Syliboy & The Thundermakers. Sept. 30, 2025 at 7 p.m. in the Schwartz Auditorium at StFX University.

The Deveau Centre for Indigenous Governance and Social Justice at StFX is hosting a free concert commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Alan Syliboy & The Thundermakers
Sept. 30, 2025 | 7 p.m.
Schwartz Auditorium
@stfx-university.bsky.social

Abstract: Drawing on Howard Becker's classic 1953 sociological interpretation of the process of becoming a cannabis user, this paper analyses how the Canadian state shapes the social and political meanings of cannabis and its use in the context of recent legalization. Our analysis moves from concrete face-to-face subcultural life studied by Becker to state discourses and administration, examining Canadian government commissions, task forces, and legislation that have thematically framed cannabis over the past 50 years. Becker's three stages of becoming a cannabis user are echoed in the Canadian context as: (1) learning to transfer trust to the licit market, (2) recognizing the cannabis high as a matter of individuated risk assessment, and (3) embracing official meanings of cannabis and its use. Finally, we show how this emergent domesticated cannabis consumer, as political ideal, sidelines projects of reparation and reconciliation with groups historically controlled and criminalized in Canada's long war on drugs.

New Publication: "The State and the Legal Canadian Cannabis User: Revisiting Howard Becker."

Co-written by Mulroney Institute Fellow Dr. Patricia Cormack, a Sociology Prof at StFX, and Dr. James Cosgrave, an Associate Professor of Sociology at Trent University.

Read it now: bit.ly/45Zp4zv

A graphic promoting a book launch event. Royal Histories The Transformation of the Royal Bank of Canada, 1864–2022 Joel Z. Garrod - includes his photo. Sept. 19, 2025 - 5 p.m. Sobey's Reading Room, 4th Floor Nasso Family Science Centre. Lower banner: Sociology Department Logo: StFX | Brian Mulroney Institute of Government

A graphic featuring an image of the cover of a book: Royal Histories The Transformation of the Royal Bank of Canada, 1864–2022 Text on a blue background: n Royal Histories, Joel Z. Garrod presents a historical analysis of the Royal Bank of Canada, illustrating how Canadian capitalism and the Canadian banking industry have transformed as they have consolidated nationally and expanded abroad. Emphasizing how national institutions and rules are increasingly becoming capabilities for transnational forms of capital accumulation, the book draws on extensive primary and secondary sources to document the transformation of the assemblage of territory, authority, and rights that have supported the bank’s activities over time.

📘Upcoming Book Launch!
Royal Histories by Dr. Joel Z. Garrod

The Sociology Department and the Mulroney Institute @stfx-university.bsky.social are pleased to co-host this in-person event.

🗓️ Sept. 19 | 5 pm - 6:30 pm
Sobey’s Reading Room, 4th Floor, Nasso Family Science Centre

A photo of four people. Text: Congrats to Dr. Peter Kikkert on being awarded over $1.3 million in Government of Canada funding to lead a project for improvements to Arctic ground search and rescue. Logo: StFX | Brian Mulroney Institute of Government

White text on a blue background: On Aug. 27th, Anthony Housefather, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience, was at StFX to announce $1,361,900 in funding to the university for a three-year project entitled Closing the Gaps: Addressing Critical Challenges in Arctic Ground Search and Rescue. The project is led by Dr. Peter Kikkert, StFX Public Policy and Governance professor and Research Fellow at the Mulroney Institute. Logo: StFX | Brian Mulroney Institute of Government

A quote graphic featuring Dr. Peter Kikkert. "Arctic SAR volunteers face harsh conditions, a changing environment, and vast search areas, often with limited assistance. This project builds on years of collaboration among researchers, Inuit responders, and government partners, and will improve Arctic SAR by strengthening its governance, testing technology, and co-developing new capabilities, planning, and training tools rooted in Inuit Knowledge. Logo: StFX | Brian Mulroney Institute of Government

Congrats to Mulroney Institute Research Fellow Dr. Peter Kikkert and his academic, government, and Inuit partners on receiving over $1.3 million in Government of Canada funding for a three-year project for improvements to Arctic ground search and rescue. bit.ly/4paMCsO

A graphic featuring a text on a yellow filter: The Brian Mulroney Institute of Government Announces the Tanenbaum Chair in Peace and Conflict Logo: StFX | Brian Mulroney Institute of Government

Announcement graphic featuring a photo of Dr. Jamie Levin. Text: Dr. Jamie Levin is the inaugural Tanenbaum Chair in Peace and Conflict. Dr. Levin’s areas of research include inter-state armed conflict, asymmetric conflict, conflict prevention, and the role of international organizations in fostering peace and security. Logo: StFX | Brian Mulroney Institute of Government.

A graphic featuring an interior photo of Mulroney Hall. Text on a yellow background: Housed at the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government at StFX, the Tanenbaum Chair in Peace and Conflict is an ambitious program that examines the causes of war and conditions for peace. Logo: StFX | Brian Mulroney Institute of Government

Text on a yellow background: The establishment of the Tanenbaum Chair in Peace and Conflict aligns with the legacy of The Right Honourable Brian Mulroney, whose international leadership and commitment to diplomacy, development, and multilateralism continue to inspire the work of the institute that bears his name. The Chair is made possible by a generous endowment donation to the Mulroney Institute from the Larry and Judy Tanenbaum Family Foundation. Logo: StFX | Brian Mulroney Institute of Government.

The Mulroney Institute is pleased to announce the Tanenbaum Chair in Peace and Conflict, an ambitious program that examines the causes of war and conditions for peace.

Dr. Jamie Levin is the inaugural Tanenbaum Chair in Peace and Conflict. Learn more: bit.ly/462Imnv

Screenshot of a blog post: On new military pay and benefits... 8/10/20253 Comments Friday’s announcement of a $2 billion increase to Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members’ pay and benefits has left me with three thoughts, only one of which seems to have been fully covered in the media. The obvious story is the pay increase: 20% for privates working full time, 13% for privates working part-time and anyone else serving at the lieutenant-colonel / commander level and below, and 8% for those at the colonel / captain (navy) level and above.

On new military pay and benefits...
By @achapnick.bsky.social
bit.ly/3HxbF8g

Chapnick is a professor of defence studies at the RMC. He co-authored a book with Asa McKercher, the Mulroney Institute's Steven K. Hudson Chair in Canada-US Relations: Canada First, Not Canada Alone.

National Housing Standards for Migrant Agricultural Workers The National Housing Standards Document was released on May 9, 2025. 29 activists, experts and clinicians across the country have developed a guidance document on National Housing Standards for Mig…

Dr. Adam Perry, a Fellow at the Mulroney Institute, contributed to a recently published report: National Housing Standards for Migrant Agricultural Workers.

The guidance document recommends the introduction of consistent, strongly enforced housing standards. farmworkerhousing.ca/national-hou...

Opinion: Alberta’s parks are part of who we are — we must protect them We have to speak up now. Fill out the Government of Alberta’s Plan for Parks Survey before July 26, 2025.

Opinion: Alberta’s parks are part of who we are — we must protect them: bit.ly/476nVqD

This op-ed in the Edmonton Journal was written by Claire Morrison, a student in the PGOV Program at the Mulroney Institute. Claire is also the new editor of Policy+, an undergrad peer-reviewed student journal.

A screenshot of an article in the Journal of Military and Strategic Studies: Cutting Through the Tangled Webs of Civil and Military Aviation Toward a Practical Cybersecurity Framework.

Dr. @kristencsenkey.bsky.social, a Postdoc Fellow at the Mulroney Institute, has recently co-authored a new article introducing a practical cybersecurity framework.

Cutting Through the Tangled Webs of Civil and Military Aviation Toward a Practical Cybersecurity Framework: jmss.org/article/view...

A photo of a group of people posing for a photo. Image description: Dr. William Sweet is pictured with the some faculty and post-doctoral students at East China Normal University in Shanghai

Dr. William Sweet, a Fellow at the Mulroney Institute and Philosophy Professor at StFX, recently completed a two-week lecture tour in China that centred on the introduction of Western ethics to China in the early 20th century, highlighting the influence of British idealism. bit.ly/3GvMVwR

A graphic featuring a photo of Dr. Adam Perry, a Fellow at the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government. Logo: StFX/Brian Mulroney Institute of Government.

Text on a blue background: Dr. Adam Perry is an interdisciplinary researcher whose work explores migration, precarious labour, and emancipatory adult education through qualitative, participatory, and arts-based methods. With a focus on rural and transnational contexts, Dr. Perry’s research critically examines Canada’s labour migration regimes, youth engagement, and community-based learning.

Text on a blue background: He is the author of over 19 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, Adult Education Quarterly, and Agriculture and Human Values. Dr. Perry has led multiple SSHRC-funded projects, including Insight and Insight Development Grants, and collaborates widely with academic and community partners.

A graphic featuring a quote from Dr. Adam Perry, Fellow, Brian Mulroney Institute of Government: I am honoured to join the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government as a Fellow. As a researcher engaged in public policy, adult education, and community-based work, I’m excited to contribute to an institute that fosters evidence-informed dialogue on today’s most pressing challenges. I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with a network committed to advancing good governance and democratic engagement. Logo: StFX | Brian Mulroney Institute of Government.

We are pleased to announce Dr. Adam Perry (@perryja.bsky.social) has been named a Fellow of the Institute.

Dr. Perry is an interdisciplinary researcher whose work explores migration, precarious labour, and emancipatory adult education through qualitative, participatory, and arts-based methods.

A graphic featuring a photo of Dr. Joel Garrod, and text overlay that says "Fellow - Brian Mulroney Institute of Government"

Text on a blue background: Dr. Joel Z. Garrod is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at StFX. His research focuses on globalization, financialization, neoliberalism, corporate power, and the transformation of the nation-state. His research in these various areas is concerned with tracking the institutional reorientations whereby new global assemblages of territory, authority, and rights emerge out of still-existing national formations.

Text on a blue background: Dr. Garrod has published articles in Economy & Society, Studies in Political Economy, Science & Society, and the Journal of Canadian Studies, among others. His most recent book is Royal Histories: The Transformation of the Royal Bank of Canada, 1864–2022 published by the University of Toronto Press. Image: Cover of the book - Royal Histories.

A graphic featuring a quote by Dr. Joel Garrod: Being a fellow with the Institute will help further my current research on the impacts on Mi’kmaw communities of the federal government’s decision to place the regulation and enforcement of Indigenous cannabis production, distribution, and consumption under provincial jurisdiction.

We are pleased to announce Dr. Joel Garrod has been named a Fellow of the Institute. Dr. Garrod is an Asst Prof in the Sociology Dept. @stfx-university.bsky.social.

His research focuses on globalization, financialization, neoliberalism, corporate power, & the transformation of the nation-state.

Just in time for 🇨🇦 Day!

What's going on with attachment and identity in 🇨🇦 ? How do the patterns vary across the federation?

www.environicsinstitute.org/projects/lis...

A graphic featuring a photo of Dr. Lavinia Stan, and text overlay that says: Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Chair in Democracy and Governance. Logo: StFX & Brian Mulroney Institute of Government.

A quote by Lavinia Stan: The rapid democratic backsliding affecting the world has accompanied the rise of authoritarian figures willing to discount the voices of civil society and to infringe fundamental human rights. As Chair, I will actively contribute to the Institute’s research and dissemination activities and engage students in discussions on these important issues.

Text on a white background: Dr. Lavinia Stan is Professor of Political Science at StFX. She is a comparative politics specialist widely recognized as an expert on Romania and the post-communist world. Dr. Stan has conducted research and published on transitional justice, religion and politics, and post-communist democratization. More recently, her work has focused on the way in which religious groups have reckoned (or not) with their communist past and with their involvement with those repressive regimes.

Text on a white background: She is the author or editor of 15 books and numerous articles and book chapters, including: Transitional Justice in Post-Communist Romania: The Politics of Memory (2013) Post-Communist Transitional Justice: Lessons from 25 Years of Experience (2015), and Transitional Justice and the Former Soviet Union: Reviewing the Past and Looking Toward the Future (2018).

We are pleased to announce Dr. Lavinia Stan has been named the inaugural Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Chair in Democracy and Governance.

Dr. Stan, a PoliSci prof @stfx-university.bsky.social, is a comparative politics specialist widely recognized as an expert on Romania & the post-communist world.

StFX and The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq have signed a new agreement at the Frank McKenna Centre to strengthen collaboration and amplify Mi’kmaq knowledge, governance, and treaty education. #stfx www.stfx.ca/news/StFX-Co...

A screenshot of an intro to a Policy Brief from NAADSN - Strategic Implications of Quantum Sensors and their Application in the Arctic. There is a list of authors on the image.

Dr. @kristencsenkey.bsky.social, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Mulroney Institute, is among the authors of a policy brief published through the @naadsn-rdsnaa.bsky.social.

Strategic Implications of Quantum Sensors and their Application in the Arctic. Read it now: bit.ly/4kJsUlj

An announcement graphic featuring a photo of a woman standing at a podium with a PPT slide behind her featuring various photos. Text overlay: The Mulroney Institute is pleased to announce that StFX has been voted in as a member of UArctic. The graphic also includes a logo for StFX, The Brian Mulroney Institute of Government.

A quote graphic featuring a quote by Lynda Harling Stalker, Director of the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government: I am thrilled that StFX has been voted in as a member of UArctic. Being a member of UArctic will provide StFX faculty with opportunities to collaborate with top-notch Northern and Arctic researchers from around the world. Our students will be able to apply for exchange opportunities with many of the other member universities. UArctic’s motto of ‘with shared voices’ mirrors StFX’s commitment to community engagement and academic excellence.

The Mulroney Institute is pleased to announce StFX has been voted in as a member of UArctic.

Lynda Harling Stalker, the Institute's Director, presented the membership application. "UArctic’s motto of ‘with shared voices’ mirrors StFX’s commitment to community engagement and academic excellence."

Cheyenne Toms, 2025 StFX grad, is blazing a new Path(y) as a 2025–26 Pathy Foundation Fellow, earning $50K to grow the Mini U program with Paqtnkek & Pictou Landing Mi’kmaq communities. Incredible! www.stfx.ca/news/Cheyenn... #stfx

In one year today...

The Mulroney Institute will kick off the 2026 Atlantic Economic Forum — happening on June 4-5, 2026, @stfx-university.bsky.social.

If you are interested in attending, please fill out our online form so we can provide you with details as they become available bit.ly/4iI0xCS.

A graphic featuring a photo of a building on the StFX campus, and a title that says "Categories." The list of categories includes Arctic Policy, Canada-Mexico Relations, Canada-U.S. Relations, Covid-19, Environment, Human Rights, Indigenous Peoples.

The Mulroney Institute’s Digital Policy Collection is a curated collection of documents located at the intersection of governance studies & public history.

A student-led project, the Policy Collection is a comprehensive research aid for academics, students, and the general public.

bit.ly/4cCgerq

At Mace Value: Not your father’s Senate An original essay by Yuen Pau Woo on the constitutional role of the Senate and the importance of independent members in the Upper House.

The Mulroney Institute's Sober Second Thinkers Speakers Series invites retired and sitting senators to share and reflect on their experiences.

This article in the @reviewcanada.bsky.social by Senator Yuen Pau Woo provides more insight ahead of the next Parliament's inauguration. bit.ly/4kBkrAe