UPEI Student Affairs and the International Relations Office are hosting a public panel discussion to help address the issue of drink tampering and what to do if you suspect your or your friends’ drinks have been drugged. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 4 from 6–8 pm at McMillan Hall in the W. A. Murphy Student Centre.

Victims are not responsible for their drinks being drugged nor are they responsible to prevent the situations that can arise from this illegal behaviour. The discussion—featuring panelists from the medical, legal, and law enforcement communities—is aimed at equipping the audience with the know-how on how to avoid a dangerous situation and to stay as safe as possible.

Lawyer Gary Demeulenaere from Stewart McKelvey, Constable Tim Keizer with Charlottetown Police Services, QEH emergency room physician Joanne McGinn, and PEI Victim Services Manager Susan Maynard will also help guide participants about what to do if they suspect their or their friends’ drinks have been tampered with. They will explain the reporting process and describe the services available for victims on PEI.

All are welcome.

The welfare of sheep is the focus of the Atlantic Veterinary College’s 2016 Animal Welfare in Practice conference from September 30 to October 1.

Keynote speaker Dr. Paula Menzies, a professor of small ruminant health management at the Ontario Veterinary College, will give a free public lecture on Friday, September 30, about using the National Farm Animal Care Council’s (NFACC) 2013 Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Sheep to improve the welfare of sheep. The NFACC’s codes of practice provide owners with guidelines to ensure that animals of different species are cared for properly. Menzies’ lecture will take place at 7 p.m. in AVC Lecture Theatre A.

On Saturday, October 1, Dr. Michael Cockram, Chair in Animal Welfare at AVC, and Andrew Hebda, president, Purebred Sheep Breeders Association of Nova Scotia, will join Menzies to speak on a variety of topics relating to sheep welfare. All three speakers were involved in the development of the NFACC’s 2013 code of practice for sheep. Menzies will also give a talk on goat diseases and management.

Registration is required to attend the presentations on Saturday. All presentations take place in AVC Lecture Theatre A. The complete program and registration information are available at awc.upei.ca.

The conference is co-hosted by the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at AVC, and the AVC Animal Welfare and Small Ruminant Clubs, with assistance from the Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada.

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About Dr. Paula Menzies:

Dr. Paula Menzies is a professor of small ruminant health management in the Department of Population Medicine, and a member of the Ruminant Health Management Group at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. She is a diplomate in the European College of Small Ruminant Health Management and is the current vice-president of the International Sheep Veterinary Association. She was recently elected to the board of the International Goat Association. She has been awarded the Carl Block Award for contributions to Canadian agriculture, Don E. Bailey Small Ruminant Practitioner of the Year (AASRP), and Zoetis Research Award in Animal Health. She has developed health management programs for sheep and goats including the Ontario Maedi Visna flock status program and the Ontario sheep health program, and was involved in the development of the Handbook for the Control of Internal Parasites of Sheep and Goats. Most recently, she wrote guides for udder health of dairy sheep and dairy goats. She has been on numerous national and international committees for the health and welfare of small ruminants.

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AVC's 2016 Open House on Saturday, September 24, was a great success, attracting about 2,800 people of all ages.

There was no shortage of things to do and see! The Children’s Activity Centre was a busy spot! Children brought their beloved stuffed toys to receive tender, loving care from veterinary students, and they dressed up like surgeons, had their faces painted, and got balloon animals. Our students handed out about 1,000 balloon animals! The parade of dog breeds was a big hit, with over 25 dogs—from a tiny rat terrier to a greyhound. People toured the building, saw all kinds of animals—from horses, goats, sheep, and poultry to rabbits, parrotlets, snakes, and bearded dragons. They also attended presentations about falconry, pet first aid, clicker training, and nail trimming. 

“We were thrilled to see so many people come out and enjoy the Atlantic Veterinary College,” says Ellen Boyd, third-year veterinary student and the lead organizer for the event. “We had many families from Prince Edward Island, as well as some from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick take part and have a great time.”

Dean Greg Keefe thanked the student organizers and the many volunteers for a great job of making Open House a wonderful success.

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes two student-athletes for their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. Congratulations to Mark Ashlee (men’s soccer) and Kelly Green (women’s soccer), the UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the week for September 19-25!

Mark Ashlee, a fifth-year BA student, helped the UPEI Men’s Soccer team rebound from a 0-4 record to pull a draw with Dalhousie. The team picked up a win the next day against Saint Mary’s University. Ashlee, a fullback from Victoria, BC, was a key ingredient for the Panthers in both games. “Mark played two strong games to help get the men's Panthers going in the league standings,” said UPEI Men’s Soccer head coach Lewis Page. “During Saturday's 0-0 draw with Dalhousie, Mark was selected the player of the game, and then in Sunday's 1-0 win over Saint Mary’s scored the winning goal.”

Kelly Green had a stellar weekend. She helped the UPEI Women’s Soccer team pick up two wins. In the first, the women’s team christened the UPEI’s new artificial turf with a 1-0 victory over Dalhousie. The second was a 5-0 decision, beating Saint Mary’s University on their own field. Green is a second-year centre-back, and a BSc student from Charlottetown. “Kelly was inspirational, showing great pride in the Panther jersey while leading the back line with a professional and solid defensive performance,” said Graeme MacDonald, head coach of the women’s squad. “Kelly's tough tackling and composure in attack played an integral part in the team winning both games this weekend.”

It’s not too late to purchase your Panther Package, the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island! Your $75 season ticket gets you into every home Panther home game, in every sport (except men’s hockey). Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

A juvenile eagle was released in Grand River, PEI, on Wednesday, September 28, after a year-long journey back to health. Participating in the release were Nathan DesRoches, who found the bird a year ago near his home in Grand River, and Shane Waite, Jake Gallant, and Evan Blood, clients of Community Connections, a day service in Summerside for people with disabilities. The clients knew about the rescue or were there when the bird was rescued and have been following its progress back to health.

The eagle was found a year ago; it was emaciated, weak and had difficulty flying. It was very timid and kept its head. Because of this behaviour, it was tested for lead poisoning, but the test was negative. It was taken to the Atlantic Veterinary College where it received treatment for several weeks before being sent to Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Nova Scotia to gain flight muscle strength.

Also at the release were Dr. Helen von Doninck and Brenda Boates, Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre; Chuck Gallison, Fish and Wildlife PEI; and Fiep de Bie, wildlife technician, AVC. Read CBC PEI's story about the release here.

The UPEI Women’s Rugby team is looking to pick up its second win of the season this season. The Panthers are currently 1-2, and play at home Saturday, October 1, at 2 pm against Saint Mary’s University.

The Panthers beat the Huskies once already this season with a decisive 54-7 win. Despite the lopsided score, UPEI Women’s Rugby Coach John LaBoyne warns he’s not taking the Huskies for granted.

“Saint Mary's, under new coach Amber Davison, have a new focus and playing style,” said LaBoyne. “Their new press defence puts teams on the back foot in attack. They took us aback in our first game where we were under pressure for much of the first half. Our ability to capitalize on turnovers was the difference in the game last time. Both teams have had time to work on their games, and Saturday's encounter should be a very good.”

The UPEI Women’s Hockey team plays a pair of exhibition games this weekend. The Panthers play Dalhousie University Friday at 7 pm and Saint Thomas University on Sunday at 3 pm.

Tickets for all home games can be purchased at gopanthersgo.ca.

It’s not too late to purchase your Panther Package, the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island! Your $75 season ticket gets you into every home Panther home game, in every sport (except Men’s Hockey). Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

News release issued by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada:

The Government of Canada values the role of post-secondary institutions as they help equip young Canadians with the education and training they need for future careers that will help them join a strong, healthy middle class. Today’s combined federal and provincial investment of $20.84 million for research infrastructure in Prince Edward Island will do just that by fostering the training needed for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow.

The funding was announced by the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and by the Honourable Wade MacLauchlan, Premier of Prince Edward Island.

The Government of Canada’s Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation—one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment exemplifies that vision in action and will help create the well-paying middle-class jobs of tomorrow.

The funding includes an investment to renovate the University of Prince Edward Island’s (UPEI) century-old Dalton Hall, with the goal of transforming it into an eHUB and Student Success Centre. The renovations to Dalton Hall will align student services and programs to support work-integrated learning, career readiness, and diversified opportunities for learning and working on the Island. The creation of an eHUB will allow the university to develop students to their full potential through experiential learning. This aligns well with provincial strategies for low-cost entrepreneurship spaces in post-secondary facilities and a focus on recruiting and retaining young people to grow the province’s population.

The Government of Canada and Province of Prince Edward Island are each providing $2.875 million for the project. The university will contribute an additional $409,900.

In total, the Government of Canada, the provincial government, the institutions themselves and private donors are investing $23.27 million in universities and colleges throughout Prince Edward Island. Federal funding will be allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.

As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country’s best research. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces that support lifelong learning and skills training. They will work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they will train for—and create—the high-value, middle-class jobs of the future. And their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.

That is how the Strategic Investment Fund will jump-start a virtuous circle of innovation, creating the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.

On July 4, 2016, the Government of Canada and the governments of the four Atlantic provinces launched the Atlantic Growth Strategy, which involves targeted actions to stimulate Atlantic Canada’s economy, including supporting key infrastructure projects that contribute to long-term growth and position the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities. Today’s announcement builds on this commitment.

Quotes:

“This once-in-a-generation investment by the Government of Canada is a historic down payment on the government’s vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation. That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into middle-class jobs and start-up companies into global successes. Investments like this also support our Atlantic Growth Strategy, designed to stimulate the region’s economy and address its challenges while building on Atlantic Canada’s competitive advantages, such as its strong export potential, growing innovation ecosystem and skilled workforce.”
– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

“Investments like these in Atlantic Canada will support our world-class researchers and position Canada as a global leader in research excellence and innovation. Through the Strategic Investment Fund, we are providing Canada’s students with the education and training they need to join a strong, healthy middle class.”
– The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"We are pleased to support collaboration and excellence between our post-secondary institutions and to equip students with the tools they need to launch successful, enterprising careers here on Prince Edward Island. These investments will contribute to the recruitment and retention of future students while providing them with enhanced support to further their academic and professional success.”
– The Honourable Wade MacLauchlan, Premier, Prince Edward Island

“With the creation of the new UPEI eHUB and Student Success Centre, we will significantly enhance our students’ access to the support services and programs they need to succeed in the classroom and in the workforce. Placing the UPEI eHUB and Student Success Centre in Dalton Hall, one of the oldest buildings on our campus, meets the evolving needs of today’s students while acknowledging our university’s history. On behalf of the university community, I thank the federal and provincial governments for their support and investment in UPEI.”
– Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Prince Edward Island

Quick facts:

• The Government of Canada is providing $10.42 million for research infrastructure at institutions in Prince Edward Island. The University of Prince Edward Island has been awarded $2.875 million in federal funding for its project.
• The Government of Canada’s Innovation Agenda is designed to ensure Canada is globally competitive in promoting research, translating ideas into new products and services, accelerating business growth and propelling entrepreneurs from the start-up phase to international success.
• The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund will promote economic activity across Canada and help Canada’s universities and colleges develop highly skilled workers, act as engines of discovery, and collaborate on innovations that help Canadian companies compete and grow internationally.
• The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canada’s climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.
• On July 4, 2016, the Government of Canada and the governments of the four Atlantic provinces unveiled the Atlantic Growth Strategy, a homegrown, prosperity-focused and evidence-based strategy to stimulate the region’s economy and address both long-standing and emerging regional challenges.
• The Atlantic Growth Strategy is aimed at stimulating economic growth in the region by focusing joint federal-provincial efforts and resources on the following five areas of action: skilled workforce and immigration, innovation, clean growth and climate change, trade and investment, and infrastructure.
• As part of the Atlantic Growth Strategy, both levels of government will work together on key infrastructure projects.

Canadian lawyer Marie Henein will give a lecture titled “An Inconvenient Profession” at the 2016 Chief Justice Thane A. Campbell Lectureship in Law on Wednesday, October 12, at 1:30 p.m., in Memorial Hall, Confederation Centre of the Arts.

Henein will focus on the role of the legal profession in society, including both the personal demands of the profession as well as the commitment required to the legal system and the rule of law in firmly protecting the role of independent counsel.

A senior partner at Henein Hutchison LLP, Henein has been counsel on numerous high profile cases. Her experience includes a wide range of criminal, regulatory, quasi‐criminal and cross-border litigation representing individual, corporate and institutional clients at the trial and appellate levels. She acts in an advisory capacity in a range of complex internal investigations. She has argued at all levels of court frequently including the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Canada.

Henein received her LL.B. from Osgoode Hall Law School and her Masters in Law from Columbia University. She is a past president of The Advocates' Society, a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, and a member of the Supreme Court Advocacy Institute. She is a founder of the Ontario Court of Appeal's Pro Bono Counsel Program, a program that provides free appellate services to unrepresented appellants at the Court of Appeal.

She lectures extensively and is editor of numerous publications. She has been repeatedly recognized as one of the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers by Canadian Lawyer and was the recipient of the Law Society of Upper Canada’s Laura Legge Award.

Co-sponsored by the University of Prince Edward Island and the Law Foundation of Prince Edward Island, the Chief Justice Thane A. Campbell Lectureship in Law honours Thane A. Campbell, Rhodes Scholar, former premier of Prince Edward Island, and first chancellor of the University of Prince Edward Island.

The lecture is free, but seating is limited. It is recommended that audience members arrive 30 minutes prior to the event. For information about attending the lecture, please contact Jane McKay, Administrative Assistant, Office of the Dean of Arts at UPEI, jmckay@upei.ca, (902) 566-0307.

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes two student-athletes for their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. Congratulations to Alysha Corrigan (women’s rugby) and Jeff Moore (men’s soccer), the UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the week for September 26–October 2. Watch video profile

Alysha Corrigan, a third-year Bachelor of Business Administration student from Charlottetown, set a new school record for points scored in a women’s rugby game. The Subway Player of the Game and centre scored 31 points on 3 tries and 8 converts to help propel the Panthers to a dominating 76-0 win over the Saint Mary’s Huskies on Saturday afternoon.

“She sees things that other people don’t,” said Panthers head coach John LaBoyne. “She's just an amazing young woman and athlete.”

Jeff Moore, a fourth-year Bachelor of Business Administration student from Stratford, PEI, continues to be strong for the Panthers, playing at the full back position. During Friday’s 3-0 win over Mount Allison University, Moore was outstanding both offensively and defensively; he scored for the Panthers and played both left and right back.

It’s not too late to purchase your Panther Package, the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island! Your $75 season ticket gets you into every home Panther home game, in every sport (except men’s hockey). Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

The following was released today from the Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

HALIFAX, NS – Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) has been appointed Chair of the Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU).

The AAU is an advocacy organization working on behalf of the Presidents of the region’s 16 universities (learn more about the AAU atwww.atlanticuniversities.ca).

Dr. Abd-El-Aziz will lead the AAU over the next two years.  He was appointed by his colleagues during the AAU’s recent annual fall meeting at Cape Breton University, Sydney, NS.

Following his appointment, Dr. Abd-El-Aziz said that the region’s university leaders are extremely heartened by the results of the AAU’s 2016 Graduate Retention Study which indicated that 87% of graduates from the region’s universities are satisfied with the quality of their education.  The study also revealed that 70% of graduates would recommend their province of study as a place to live and work.  Most notably, 75% of international student graduates would remain in their province of study after graduation if given a choice.

“These extremely positive results further confirm the high quality of our institutions and their reputation for a unique student experience which attracts local, out-of-region and international students in growing numbers.  Attraction of talented young people to the region is a major component of the federal government’s Atlantic Growth Strategy and universities have an important role to play along with our governments and the private sector to help retain students following graduation,” said Dr. Abd-El-Aziz.

Dr. Abd-El-Aziz added, “The largest program award in the country of nearly $100 million in research funding from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) to Dalhousie University, Memorial University of Newfoundland and UPEI for the Oceans Frontier Institute, is a great testimony to our universities commitment to collaboration and partnership.” 

To learn more about Dr. Abd-El-Aziz please go to:  www.upei.ca/president/about-president.

The Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU) represents the interests of universities across the region, ensuring public visibility for the important role they play in preparing future leaders of our communities, in path-breaking research and innovation, and in contributing to the economic, cultural and social prosperity of life in Atlantic Canada.

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For further information, contact:
Peter Halpin, Executive Director, AAU
(902) 425-4238/phalpin@atlanticuniversities.ca