The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) has awarded more than $650,000 to four UPEI researchers to better equip their laboratories.

'This is exciting news for UPEI, and specifically, our Faculty of Science,' says Dr. Katherine Schultz, UPEI's Vice-President of Research & Development. 'I want to congratulate Dr. Karen Samis, Dr. Rabin Bissessur, Dr. Michael van den Heuvel, and Dr. Russ Kerr for their awards, and for displaying the excellence in research that UPEI is increasingly known for nationally and internationally.'

Dr. Karen Samis is an Assistant Professor of Biology. Her funding will allow her to develop a molecular ecology research lab to study the ability of wild plants to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.

'Most of my work centres around coastal plants - plants that grow in a habitat that is highly influenced by us and the weather,' said Dr. Samis. 'Our research will assess their past, current and future potential to live in this harsh environment.'

UPEI's second CFI award goes to Dr. Rabin Bissessur, Professor of Chemistry; Dr. Michael van den Heuvel, Associate Professor of Biology and Canada Research Chair in Watershed Ecological Integrity; and Dr. Russ Kerr, Professor of Chemistry and Canada Research Chair in Marine Natural Products. The team will use this infrastructure award -- along with matching funds from ACOA and the province of PEI -- to purchase a high-resolution mass spectrometer called an Orbitrap.

"The Orbitrap mass spectrometre is a state-of-the-art instrument designed to analyze and study the structure of a wide range of chemicals," said Dr. Kerr. 'We are very excited about using the Orbitrap for applications in natural product research, environmental analysis and analysis of polymeric materials. This will be the first high resolution mass spectrometer in PEI and thus, will be of use to many other researchers within UPEI and beyond."

The CFI announced a total of $61,291,274 in new funds to support 246 projects at 48 institutions across Canada. A total of $47,147,134 was awarded under the Leaders Opportunity Fund, which provides infrastructure support to Canadian institutions so they can attract and retain the very best of today's and tomorrow's leading researchers at a time of intense international competition for knowledge workers.

'The investments being announced today at UPEI will further enhance our country's reputation as a destination of choice for outstanding researchers,' said Dr. Gilles G. Patry, president and CEO of the CFI. 'They will make our universities even more competitive when it comes to attracting the best and brightest researchers from around the world.'

For a complete list of the projects awarded, please visit www.innovation.ca.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation is an independent corporation created by the government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI's mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians. Since its creation in 1997, the CFI has committed $5.3 billion in support of more than 6,800 projects at 131 research institutions in 65 municipalities across Canada.

From Monday, February 7 to Friday, February 11, the University of Prince Edward Island will celebrate International Development Week (IDW), a national event held annually to increase Canadians' awareness of their country's role in international development and to educate them about life in developing countries.

For its tenth year, UPEI's IDW Planning Committee has chosen the theme of ‘Human Security: the Role of Global Citizenry to Achieve Collective Security, Peace, and Development'.

'We selected this theme because we'd like to communicate the message that individuals can play an essential role in the culture of peace,' says Dr. Christian Lacroix, Chair of the IDW Planning Committee. "By bringing attention to this issue, we hope to contribute to the progression of peace. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, ‘We must become the change we want to see.''

The Honourable Roméo Dallaire will speak to this year's theme at an on-campus public presentation and book signing on Friday, February 11 at 10:30 am in McDougall Hall, Room 242. He will also be the guest speaker for the annual International Development Week Luncheon taking place at the Rodd Royalty Inn at noon on the same day.

Senator Dallaire has had a distinguished career in the Canadian military, and since his retirement, has worked to bring an understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder to the general public. His current areas of interest lie in conflict resolution and the use of children as soldiers.

In his presentation, Dallaire will explore three provocative questions: 'In this new era of global communications and awareness, can the youth of leading developed nations influence policy and public opinion? Should having a pair of dirtied boots on the soil in an impoverished developing nation not be a rite of passage for Canadians into the adult world? Your peers are out there screaming in the dark for your support, why aren't you answering their call?'

Other events during the week include a photo exhibit, ‘Kandahar Through Afghan Eyes, 2010', with a guest speaker from Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan. There will be a student symposium around the theme of conflict minerals, an ethical booth display, as well as a talk from the Director of the Canadian Bureau for International Education and a student presentation examining the intersection between education and international development.

As a 'warm up' to International Development Week, there will be a free showing of ‘Shake Hands with the Devil', starring Roy Dupuis as Roméo Dallaire on Thursday, February 3 at 4:30 pm in AVC Lecture Theatre A.

For a complete schedule of events, and to purchase tickets for the IDW Luncheon, click here or contact Suna Houghton at (902) 894-2842, shoughton@upei.ca.

The 2011 UPEI Career Fair will take place on campus Wednesday, February 2 from 10 am to 3 pm in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre. This year's edition has a new look as the former Education Job Fair and the Career Fair have merged into one event.

School board recruiters for the Bachelor of Education program will join employers and recruiters who are seeking to hire UPEI students and graduates for either summer or full-time employment. The Career Fair is free for students to attend.

'This is an excellent networking opportunity for students and graduates seeking employment opportunities to meet with recruiters and employers,' says Kylah Hennessey, a career counsellor with UPEI's department of student services.

The idea behind merging the two fairs was to create a greater scope of employment opportunities for Bachelor of Education students. Dr. Ron MacDonald, Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the BEd Program at UPEI, adds, 'Employers these days are looking for a transferable skill set in the employees they are hiring. It is no longer the case that a Bachelor of Education degree is only meant to prepare a graduate for the classroom.'

This year's fair includes school board recruiters from northern Alberta and Quebec in addition to PEI's own Eastern and Western School Boards. As well, employment recruiters for organizations such as Canadian Security Intelligence Services, Career Connections, and Invesco will attend, with employment opportunities for UPEI students both on and off the Island.

UPEI students are also encouraged to start connecting and applying for different summer positions that can help them get the necessary work experience to enhance their UPEI degree.

The UPEI Career Fair is just one of the services offered to students by UPEI's Career Services Centre to help them relate their skills, and interests to career options. Other services include individual career counselling, assessments, presentations, mock interviews and access to resources.

For detailed information about this event, including participating employers, please visit the UPEI Career Fair website or contact the Career Services Centre at (902) 566-0488.

Before the men's game versus UNB Varsity Reds on Saturday, January 29, former Panther Wilfred MacDonald was honoured for his standout, four-year UPEI hockey career.

Wilf MacDonald in his Panther playing days.The defenceman played for Panthers from 1975-80 under coaches Jack Kane and Jack Hynes and was Panther Rookie of the Year in the '75-76 season, UPEI Male Athlete of the Year during '76-77 season, and was also selected to the second-team all conference team in the Atlantic University Athletic Association.

Click here to read the full feature by Alf Blanchard that appeared in The Guardian.

During the first intermission, Panther Sport also recognized the Sporting Intentions 2010 Fall AUS and CIS award winners:

Tessa Roche
CIS 1st Team All-Canadian, AUS Most Valuable Player, AUS 1st Team All Star
Women's Soccer

Chanelle Roy
CIS 1st Team All-Canadian, AUS 1st Team All Star
Women's Soccer

Sara Stewart
CIS 2nd Team All-Canadian, AUS 1st Team All Star
Women's Soccer

Chelsie McInnis
AUS 2nd Team All Star
Women's Soccer

Andrea Archibald
AUS 2nd Team All Star
Women's Soccer

Josh Vessey
AUS 2nd Team All Star
Men's Soccer

Sumara Profit
AUS All Star
Women's Rugby

Kaitlin Richard
AUS All Star
Women's Rugby

UPEI was disappointed to learn that the Faculty Association requested the province appoint a conciliation officer yesterday when there has been considerable progress made by both sides at the bargaining table.

Regular meetings with the Association's negotiating committee have occurred since the Fall, as often as two to three times a week, and the University's bargaining team remains committed to, and optimistic about reaching a negotiated settlement.

VP Finance and Facilities, Gary Bradshaw, says, 'While we were disappointed at the premature application for conciliation, we also recognize that it's an approach often used in negotiations. By no means does the University feel that we have reached an impasse. In fact, it is quite the opposite in that we've continued to make good progress on a number of items that are important to both sides.'

The application for conciliation was filed by the Faculty Association to the Minister responsible for the Labour Act on Monday, but it can be applied for anytime during the bargaining process.

Bradshaw added, 'We are committed to, and will continue to work hard on behalf of the UPEI community of students, educators, and staff to reach an agreement with the faculty as we have done with all other bargaining units.'

The University will not make further comment at this time to maintain the integrity of the negotiation process.

The next negotiation meeting is February 7 with further meetings scheduled into mid-March.

UPEI recognized the long-standing support and leadership of Lou MacEachern at a reception today, naming a busy indoor thoroughfare at Don and Marion McDougall Hall in his honour.

Louis W. MacEachern Market Street is located along the full length of the building and connects students to lecture theatres, classrooms and study / breakout rooms in the modern complex that hosts School of Business programming along with a multitude of University events.

MacEachern was born in Hazel Grove, PEI and studied at both St. Dunstan's University and Prince of Wales College, UPEI predecessor institutions. He is also a graduate of Dalhousie University. Part of the reason for giving back so much to UPEI is because he realized the necessity of an education early in life and attributes much of his success as an entrepreneur to his investment in his own schooling.

'I moved to Calgary the first time in 1952 after I quit school in Grade 7 to work,' said MacEachern. 'I soon recognized that I needed to further my education and returned to the Island to do so. I am pleased to be able support students who also realize that a university education is so valuable and will lead to their own success.'

Students, staff and faculty, alumni, and members of the Board of Governors joined Mr. MacEachern to celebrate his contributions to the University.

Alicia Bremner, a Lou MacEachern Bursary Recipient (2005) and a current member of the UPEI Board of Governors, said, 'This bursary not only helped me financially, but it gave me a sense of duty because not only was I working to earn my business degree for myself, but also for Mr. MacEachern as he believed in me.'

'You not only help shape the University of Prince Edward Island, but also those who carry its valuable education beyond this campus,' Bremner added. 'On behalf of all the students you have helped, Mr. MacEachern, a heartfelt thank you.'

MacEachern's contributions have been both financial and service-oriented - he served three terms on the UPEI Board of Governors from 2003-2009 and is a leading supporter of the Calgary Friends of UPEI Fund that assists students from Alberta and PEI attend UPEI. One of the scholarships the fund offers is named in honour of Lou MacEachern.

UPEI President, Wade MacLauchlan, and Dean of Business, Dr. Roberta MacDonald, helped unveil a plaque dedicating Louis W. MacEachern Market Street and thanked MacEachern for his support throughout the years.

Students in UPEI's executive-style Master of Business Administration program will explore the topic ‘hyper-localism' at the third annual Local Marketing Challenge, Saturday, February 5 from 9 am-1 pm at Don and Marion McDougall Hall in the Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium.

The Local Marketing Challenge is the final project of the Marketing Management course in the MBA Program.

'Hyper-localism' refers to the emerging consumer trend known as the local market. During the event, student groups will present marketing plans for a local market opportunity that they have identified. In past years, the challenge focused on local food, but this year the topic range has been broadened to include any product or service that is targeted at the local PEI market.

Tim Carroll, associate professor at the UPEI School of Business, says, 'In marketing, we teach that businesses should follow consumer preferences instead of doing what they want to do. If local goods and services are a consumer preference, it really has the potential to change our market system.'

Seven student teams have been working diligently to identify their local market opportunities-some are strictly conceptual while others are actually in the developmental stage with local businesses. Presentations will include: Comfort Zone: A natural insect repellent; PEI Fresh Express: An online grocer; Cultural Catering: Ethnic food catering; Urban Beehives-Beekeeping; Fresh@Home: Full service food supply and delivery; Outfront Screens: Window and door screens; and North Cape Locally Grown Organic Baby Food.

All are welcome to attend the presentations and view displays from 'buy local' organizations such as Dairy Farmers of PEI, PEI Potato Board, Island Abbey Foods, Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce, PEI Business Development, and Department of Agriculture. From 11:00 to 11:30 am, ADL will host a "local food" break featuring its award-winning local cheeses and milk.

For more information, contact Grace McCourt at (902) 566-6474 or email mba@upei.ca.

Launched in September 2008, the executive-style MBA program allows students to pursue their graduate studies while they continue to work. It uses an integrated approach, peer-to-peer learning and an emphasis on developing global perspectives to prepare graduates to act as leaders and innovators in the changing business environment.

When long-time Newfoundland resident John Steffler, Canada's Parliamentary Poet during 2006-2008, gives a reading, it's certain that people in the audience will ask him to read 'That Night We Were Ravenous.'

This frolicking, sensuous poem begins with a near-disastrous encounter with a moose on a highway in Newfoundland, and ends with the couple back home devouring a feast and ravishing each other. In between, Canada's landscape, history, and culture burst across the windshield and readers' eyes in luscious, comical, menacing, and magical glory.

Steffler, one of Canada's most admired poets and prose writers, will read from his work on Tuesday, February 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the UPEI Faculty Lounge, Main Building. From his powerful historical novel of Labrador, The Afterlife of George Cartwright, and his meditative exploration of self and seascape in The Grey Islands, to the exquisite poems which earned him the role of Canada's Poet Laureate, Steffler's story-telling and language are masterful, and are fully in evidence when he reads in his compelling voice.

This evening also features one of Canada's premier short fiction writers, Richard Cumyn. A list of his early jobs suggests rich fodder for fiction: able seaman on a Coast Guard ship, uranium prospector, researcher for Prime Minister Trudeau, and short-order cook at the Connaught rifle range west of his native Ottawa. After teaching high school in Ontario for nearly a decade, he became a full-time writer in 1991.

Cumyn's sixth and latest story collection, The Young in Their Country, reveals what author Steve Heighton calls his 'tough-minded and large-hearted' language and sensibility. Cumyn's characters are at once familiar and eerily distinct, their relationships a tender blend of heartbreak and affection. His new stories show why his work has been included in the prestigious Journey Prize Anthology and shortlisted for a National Magazine Award.

Steffler's and Cumyn's readings are hosted by the UPEI English Department, with generous support from The Canada Council for the Arts. A book signing and reception will follow the reading. Admission is free.

The UPEI Department of Music presents its Super Bowl weekend 'Faculty Recital Spectacular' on Saturday, February 5 at 7:30 pm at the Dr. Steel Recital Hall. This annual recital will feature most of UPEI's performance faculty performing as soloists and chamber musicians.

Professor Frances Gray is featured prominently throughout as she will perform Ginastera's Argentinian Dances and will collaborate with tubaist Gregory Irvine performing Mendelssohn's Song Without Words and soprano Sung-Ha Shin Bouey performing from the classical repertoire.

Classical guitar player Jim Dickson, who thrilled last year's audience, may do so again with his interpretation of Vals Venesolano No. 3 by the Spanish composer Antonio Lauro. Dale Sorensen, trombone and Jacqueline Sorensen-Young, piano, will perform Pergolesi's Sinfonia. UPEI percussionist Dave Shephard will perform Reverie by Gordon Stout on the marimba.

It is anticipated that a newly formed ensemble, The UPEI Aboriginal Singers Collective, may perform as well.

The mix of traditional and contemporary concert fare is apt to appeal to the avid concert goer. Tickets are available at the door.

Today, the University of Prince Edward Island submitted an unfair labour practice complaint against the UPEI Faculty Association (FA) to the Labour Relations Board of the PEI Department of Community Services, Seniors, and Labour. It states that the Association is subverting the negotiation process by not bargaining in good faith. The University is concerned that FA negotiators have deliberately taken positions that could lead to a breakdown in negotiations, by creating an artificial impasse, failing to bargain, and failing to bring a mandate to negotiate to the table. The University is also concerned that UPEI's position is being misrepresented by the FA to its membership.

The University has held regular meetings with the FA negotiating committee since initial proposals were exchanged by the parties in early August 2010. The Faculty Association asked for conciliation on January 31.With progress being made on a number of items important to both sides, this action was seen as premature by UPEI.

The University remains committed to reaching a negotiated settlement; however it stresses that, in order for this to happen, genuine negotiations must take place.

'Recent actions of the FA have led the University to believe that the Association is breaching its obligation to sincerely attempt to reach a collective agreement,' says VP Finance and Facilities, Gary Bradshaw. 'In order to reach a successful settlement, it is essential that both teams follow accepted process, and willingness to negotiate is part of that responsibility. The filing of an unfair labour practice complaint to the PEI Labour Relations Board is regrettable but necessary.'

UPEI's priority is to protect the interests of the entire University community, including its students. It remains committed to discussions leading to a negotiated agreement with the Faculty Association, as it has done successfully with other bargaining units on campus.