We were very pleased to facilitate a student-focused federal election debate in partnership with Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA), and Dalhousie Student Union (DSU) on September 13, 2021. The live-streamed debate, which featured candidates from the Halifax Federal Political Riding, allowed students to hear how Nova Scotia’s political parties plan to respond to some key issues that are top-of-mind for students. These themes included: racism and anti-racism; sustainable housing; the environment; Canada’s global engagement and approach to immigration; Indigenous sovereignty; affordability of education; and post-COVID-19 economic recovery.

The post-pandemic recovery would be futile without including the voices of our community and our students. We were very pleased to work with these stakeholder groups to ensure the needs of our students were front and centre during this event. We appreciate the work of these student-led organizations as they advocate on behalf of students. Their hard work ensures that students are a part of important conversations like this debate.

We thank everyone who was able to join us to engage in this important dialogue and further this conversation. You can view the full recording from our resource page.

The Network is looking forward to hosting our upcoming Live Streamed Debate again in partnership with Saint Mary's University Students' Association (SMUSA). This time around, we are also partnering with Dalhousie University and the Dalhousie Student Union (DSU). In addition to this Live Streamed Debate, SMUSA has organized a two-week celebration for the 2021 Welcome Week, which runs until September 17, 2021. You can find more information about all the exciting activities SMUSA has planned for Welcome Week on their website: SMUSA Welcome Week 2021

Sobey Graduate Student Career Services recently hosted two Career Launch panels featuring employers and alumni. These panels provided industry and peer expertise to current graduate students. The panels explored topics including how to navigate your career during the pandemic and how COVID-19 has changed the world of work. You can view both panels via links: Employer Panel & Alumni Panel

As well , the university has posted an online form so you can upload your proof of vaccination. You can upload your information here: https://www.smu.ca/vaccinationforms As a reminded all faculty, staff and students are required to provide this proof of vaccination or request an exemption by October 15, 2021.
For those who wish to seek an exemption for medical, religious, or other reasons, the university has posted a form online that can be accessed here: https://www.smu.ca/vaccinationforms
Any information submitted via these forms will only be accessed by authorized individuals and all information will be protected in compliance with Nova Scotia privacy legislation.

Many of the Prosperity Network’s speakers, experts and in-residence program participants are involved in many other activities throughout SMU and our community. Leah Skerry, who is taking part in our Women in Business Mentorship Event, is the new RBC Talent Hub Entrepreneur-In-Residence . Karn Nichols, one of Prosperity Network’s experts, has taken on new role as Executive Director of Canadian Mental Health Association Nova Scotia Division and will be featured in our Mental Health event. SMU Alumni News features BComm alum Bradley Farquhar in the story “The Crack-Shot President”. Bradley and Purple Cow co-founder Joe Power will take on an active role with the Prosperity Network this year! Keep an eye out for more information on them and other speakers, experts, and in-residence program participants. Their knowledge, ideas, and expertise will help the community by providing thought leadership to help build more resilient businesses, and we look forward to continuing these important discussions.

Saint Mary’s University also will now require proof of full vaccination from all faculty, staff, and students. The university will begin collecting this no later than September 3 to ensure the community is ready for the return of classes. This new measure is in addition to the previously announced COVID-19 Vaccination and Requirements Policy. For more COVID-19 information and resources please visit COVID-19 information page.

Nova Scotians just elected a new government in the 41st General Election as the Province heads into the post-pandemic economic recovery phase. Also, as we head into the new academic year, Saint Mary’s University announced new COVID-19 protocols and policies to ensure safe return to campus and to enhance the already robust pandemic response measures. A full list of these measures can be found here, as well as a link to the details of the new policy.

We were very pleased to facilitate an economic recovery dialogue, along with the Saint Mary’s University Students’ Association (SMUSA), on August 5, 2021. The live-streamed debate, which featured candidates from the Halifax Citadel-Sable Island and Halifax Chebucto political ridings, allowed students to hear how Nova Scotia’s political parties plan to tackle the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and other important issues.

The post-pandemic recovery would be futile without including the voices of our community. We were very pleased to work with SMUSA to ensure the needs of our students were front and centre, and that members of the community were able to submit their questions for the debate. Questions focused on responses to the pandemic and how candidates planned to ensure an inclusive economic recovery, access to education and access to affordable housing.

We thank everyone who was able to join us to engage in this important dialogue and further this conversation.

Visit the debate webpage to view a full recording.

As Nova Scotia begins to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and prepares for the 41st provincial general election, a battle of ideas on how to revitalize Nova Scotia is ensuing.

The Sobey School Community Revitalization & Prosperity Network was launched to champion ideas and foster a more innovative, revitalized and prosperous Nova Scotia. The Prosperity Network seeks to foster a positive space for dialogue and conversation, to help create a more inclusive economic recovery for all Nova Scotians. In partnership with Saint Mary’s University Students Association (SMUSA), we are excited to facilitate the Halifax Citadel-Sable Island Riding Debate on August 5, 2021. SMUSA has prepared some candidates introductions in advance of the debate, which can be viewed here at Candidate Interviews.

The drive towards an inclusive recovery would be futile without an inclusive community. We want our community to have a voice in this recovery, and we are asking you to submit questions on a few themes around the post-pandemic recovery to facilitate an economic recovery dialogue. We want to highlight issues that are important to all Nova Scotians, particularly to our students.

Some of the Prosperity Network’s past webinars and panel discussions have highlighted the unique challenges Nova Scotians are facing due to the pandemic. In particular, we highlighted how the pandemic has disproportionally affected Nova Scotia’s small and medium sized businesses, women, Indigenous people and members of racialized groups. We want to find answers for how our policy makers can help.

Please join us and submit your questions.