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Brian Mulroney Institute of Government
@mulroneyinstitute.bsky.social
250 followers 51 following 81 posts
Dedicated to the study of public policy and governance at the undergraduate level. Affiliated with StFX University.
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All faculty, staff and students are invited to attend the Fall 2025 Research Chairs Colloquium.

🗓️Tuesday, November 18th
🕦11:30 AM – 1:45 PM
📍Council Chambers at @stfxuniversity

Learn more: stfx.ca/reseachchairs
November 14, 2025 at 3:10 PM
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The Mulroney Institute Presents: Lament for a Nation at 60

This two-day hybrid symposium will celebrate the 60th anniversary of George Grant's Lament for a Nation (1965).

🗓️ Nov. 13-14, 2025
📍 In-Person: Mulroney Hall 4030
💻 Zoom link: Email mulinst@stfx.ca

Learn more: bit.ly/4oY9gU7
Graphic: The Mulroney Institute Presents "Lament for a Nation at 60". A two-day hybrid symposium celebrating the 60th anniversary of George Grant's Lament for a Nation (1965). Nov. 13-14, 2025. In person: Mulroney Hall 4030. Zoom Link: Email mulinst@stfx.ca. Logo: StFX | Brian Mulroney Institute of Government.
November 10, 2025 at 6:31 PM
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The Brian Mulroney Institute of Government is pleased to officially welcome Sandy Silver (BA '94) as the inaugural Victor Dahdaleh Practitioner-in-Residence.

Join Us for a Lunch & Learn
FROM X TO PREMIER
🗓️ Nov. 20, 2025
🕛 12-1:30 pm
📍 Mulroney Hall 4023
Welcome graphic for Sandy Silver. We are pleased to welcome Sandy Silver as the inaugural Victor Dahdaleh Practitioner-in-Residence. Silver will officially begin his term on Nov. 6, 2025. Text on a yellow background: Silver, the former premier of Yukon and MLA for Klondike, will facilitate conversations between academics, practitioners, students, and the general public on the big issues society faces locally, nationally, and at a global scale. He will also support the skills development of StFX students wishing to pursue careers in government, policy, politics, and civil society. Quote graphic featuring Sandy Silver, the Victor Dahdaleh Practitioner-in-Residence: 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. Lunch & Learn graphic: From X to Premier: A Lunch & Learn with Dahdaleh Practitioner-in-Residence Sandy Silver (BA ‘94). Nov. 20, 2025, 12 pm, Mulroney Hall 4023.
November 6, 2025 at 2:01 PM
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Thank you to The Hon. Kim Pate for visiting with students, staff, & faculty at #StFX as part of the Mulroney Institute's Sober Second Thinkers Speakers Series.

Senator Pate held a public lecture, attended classes, & met with Indigenous students & community members.
A photo of Senator Kim Pate. A photo of Senator Kim Pate shaking hands with a woman. A photo of Senator Kim Pate standing at a podium at StFX University. A photo of a group of people seated in a lecture hall. They are clapping.
October 27, 2025 at 8:00 PM
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The Mulroney Institute & Frank McKenna Centre for Leadership are pleased to welcome Canadian author and educator Dr. Jennifer Fraser, who will share insights into her book: The Gaslit Brain.

🗓️ Nov. 4 | 7-9 pm
📍 MULH 2030
@stfx-university.bsky.social
* Lunch and Learn - Nov. 5, 11:30, MULH 4023
A graphic promoting an upcoming event featuring Dr. Jennifer Fraser at StFX University, Nov. 4, 2025, 7-9 pm, Mulroney Hall 2030, featuring her new book The Gaslit Brain. A graphic featuring a description of The Gaslit Brain by Dr. Jennifer Fraser. Text: In a world increasingly shaped by disinformation, political division, and toxic leadership, The Gaslit Brain is the first book linking gaslighting directly to measurable neurological damage — and to offer science-backed strategies to counter it. Drawing on over 10 years of studying the neuroscience of abuse cultures, Dr. Fraser presents the evidence that gaslighting and psychological manipulation don't just harm emotionally — they physically alter the brain, eroding trust, critical thinking, and resilience. A graphic featuring details of a Lunch and Learn for Dr. Jennifer Fraser, Nov. 5, 11:30-1 PM, Mulroney hall 4023.
October 20, 2025 at 7:30 PM
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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
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.
October 16, 2025 at 3:36 PM
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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 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.
October 9, 2025 at 7:20 PM
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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 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.
October 6, 2025 at 4:37 PM
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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/
A photo of orange ribbons tied on a fence. There is a building in the background.
September 30, 2025 at 3:20 PM
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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 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
bit.ly
September 25, 2025 at 7:02 PM
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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 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.
September 25, 2025 at 6:10 PM
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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
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.
September 23, 2025 at 2:02 PM
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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, 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.
September 19, 2025 at 2:57 PM
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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 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.
September 15, 2025 at 2:31 PM
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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
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.
September 11, 2025 at 7:16 PM
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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
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.
September 11, 2025 at 1:47 PM
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📘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 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.
September 2, 2025 at 3:19 PM
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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 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
August 27, 2025 at 8:19 PM
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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
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.
August 25, 2025 at 6:02 PM
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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.
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.
August 13, 2025 at 4:30 PM
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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...
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…
farmworkerhousing.ca
August 11, 2025 at 3:54 PM
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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.
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.
bit.ly
July 31, 2025 at 6:04 PM
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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 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.
July 24, 2025 at 1:36 PM
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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 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
July 16, 2025 at 6:02 PM
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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. 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.
July 3, 2025 at 5:05 PM