URConnected
Statement from the University of Regina - February 11, 2010
The University of Regina has not changed its stance - we are committed to the principles that form the foundation of First Nations University of Canada - that First Nations people are the ones to define how education will be provided.
We are pleased to continue working with our federated college, the First Nations University of Canada, and FSIN's Chief Guy Lonechild to discuss all options that will support that college in pursuit of its mission.
A few days ago we invited the stakeholders - FSIN, the Government of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada to meet next week to discuss the implications of the funding situation and we are pleased that the meeting will occur with all parties involved.
Conference on the Caron Case and the Status of French in Western Canada: Major National Event
"La version française suit"
REGINA, February 10, 2010 - The Association des juristes d'expression française de la Saskatchewan (AJEFS) and the Institut français of the University of Regina remind you they are holding, on February 19 and 20, 2010, a bilingual conference entitled "The Caron Case: The Status of French in Western Canada." This conference is presented in collaboration with the Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF), the Association canadienne-française de l'Alberta and the Fédération des associations de juristes d'expression française de common law.
This national conference aims to open a debate on the questions raised by the R. v. Caron case in Alberta. Gilles Caron asked that the courts recognize the constitutional status of French in the legislative and judicial processes of Alberta. After a lengthy trial, the Alberta provincial court ruled in Mr. Caron's favour in 2008. However, this past December, the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench overturned the initial verdict and Mr. Caron is now bringing his case to the Provincial Court of Appeal.
A major event bringing together nearly 200 participants from all of Canada's provinces, this conference is both academic and community-oriented and will bring together experts in history, law and sociology, as well as representatives of the francophone communities of Canada.
Interest in this conference, across the country, is high. Indeed several organizations have chosen to plan events at the Institut français so that they will coincide with the conference:
- Launch, by the Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada, Graham Fraser, of the report on the vitality of the rural francophone communities of Saskatchewan, on February 18
- Roundtable on 40 years of official languages, sponsored by the Saskatchewan Federal Council, as part of the Institut français' Wine & Cheese, on February 18
- Administrative Council of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne, on February 18 and 19
- Salon des artisans, organized by the ACF, from February 18 to 20
- Inter-intra du reseau associatif et institutionnel fransaskois, February 18
- French Language Maintenance Forum, organized by the Canada School of Public Service, on February 18
- Launch of a book by Carol Jean Léonard, "Mémoire des noms de lieux d'origine et d'influence françaises en Saskatchewan," hosted by the Société historique de la Saskatchewan, on February 19.
The conference's Friday evening banquet will be followed by a special cultural performance celebrating the dynamic presence of the Métis and Francophone communities of Western Canada, from the 19th Century until today. Among the artists to perform: Annette Campagne, Serge Carrière, Gent Laird, Brad Moggie, Alexis Normand and La Raquette à claquettes.
"We are delighted to see the interest that the conference has stirred across the country," says Peter Dorrington, acting director of the Institut français. "It will be an excellent opportunity to open a national debate on a case that could transform the way Canadians perceive the existence of French in the West," adds Peter Bergbusch, AJEFS president.
To register, please contact the AJEFS before February 12, 2010.
Media Contacts:
Cassandre Louis Allan Pulga
Project Development Officer Communications Officer
AJEFS Institut français, University of Regina
ajefs2@sasktel.net allan.pulga@uregina.ca
(306) 924-8543 (306) 337-3226
Colloque sur la cause Caron et le statut du français dans l'Ouest canadien : Événement d'envergure
REGINA, le 10 février 2010 - L'Association des juristes d'expression française de la Saskatchewan (AJEFS) et l'Institut français de l'Université de Regina vous rappellent qu'ils tiendront, les 19 et 20 février 2010, un colloque bilingue intitulé Le statut du français dans l'Ouest canadien: la cause Caron. Ce colloque est présenté en collaboration avec l'Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise (ACF), l'Association canadienne française de l'Alberta et la Fédération des associations de juristes d'expression française de common law.
Ce colloque national a pour but d'ouvrir un débat sur les questions suscitées par la cause La Reine c. Caron en Alberta. Gilles Caron a demandé aux tribunaux de reconnaître le statut constitutionnel du français dans le processus législatif et devant les tribunaux de la province. À la suite d'un long procès, la Cour provinciale de l'Alberta a rendu un jugement favorable à M. Caron en 2008. Cependant, en décembre dernier, la Cour du Banc de la Reine de l'Alberta a infirmé le jugement de première instance et M. Caron porte maintenant sa cause à la Cour d'appel provinciale.
Événement d'envergure réunissant près de 200 participants de toutes les provinces du pays, ce colloque à la fois scientifique et communautaire réunira des spécialistes historiques, juridiques et sociologiques ainsi que des intervenants des communautés francophones du Canada.
L'intérêt suscité à l'échelle nationale par cette rencontre est tel que plusieurs organismes ont choisi d'organiser des événements à l'Institut français pour qu'ils coïncident avec le colloque:
- Lancement par le Commissaire aux langues officielles, Monsieur Graham Fraser, du rapport sur la vitalité des communautés francophones de la Saskatchewan en milieu rural, le 18 février
- Table ronde sur les 40 ans des langues officielles, parrainée par le Conseil fédéral de la Saskatchewan, dans le cadre du 5 à 7 de l'Institut français, le 18 février
- Rencontre du Conseil d'administration de la Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne, les 18 et 19 février
- Salon des artisans, organisé par l'ACF, du 18 au 20 février
- Inter-intra du réseau associatif et institutionnel fransaskois, le 18 février
- Forum de maintien de l'acquis en français, organisé par l'École de la fonction publique du Canada, le 18 février
- Lancement du livre de Carol Jean Léonard, Mémoire des noms de lieux d'origine et d'influence françaises en Saskatchewan, par la Société historique de la Saskatchewan, le 19 février.
Le banquet de la conférence, le vendredi soir, sera suivi d'un spectacle mettant en valeur la présence dynamique des communautés métisses et francophones de l'Ouest canadien, du 19e siècle jusqu'à nos jours. À l'affiche: Annette Campagne, Serge Carrière, Gent Laird, Brad Moggie, Alexis Normand et La Raquette à claquettes.
Nous sommes ravis de constater l'intérêt que le colloque suscite à travers le pays, déclare Peter Dorrington, directeur par intérim de l'Institut français. Ce sera une excellente occasion d'ouvrir un débat national sur une cause qui pourrait transformer la façon dont les Canadiens conçoivent le fait français dans l'Ouest, ajoute Me Peter Bergbusch, président de l'AJEFS.
Pour vous inscrire, veuillez contacter l'AJEFS avant le 12 février 2010.
Renseignements :
Cassandre Louis Allan Pulga
Agente de projets Agent de communication
AJEFS Institut français, Université de Regina
ajefs2@sasktel.net allan.pulga@uregina.ca
(306) 924-8543 (306) 337-3226
Was Canada's postwar foreign policy guided by an overarching set of altruistic principles?
"Historical evidence indicates Canada didn't work for peace or human rights in two Southeast Asian cases," says Webster. "Canada responded to the Indonesian struggle for independence by operating as a loyal member of the Western alliance, hoping that Indonesia would follow Canada's own non-revolutionary model of decolonization and development." Webster adds that the Canadian economic development policies caused Canada to overlook Indonesian human rights violations in East Timor, choosing to put trading interests ahead of any attempt at peacemaking for 20 years.
Join Webster for the latest Coffee House Controversies lecture on February 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Chapters bookstore behind the Southland Mall (2625 Gordon Road). His talk will discuss if Canada's postwar foreign policy was guided by an overarching set of altruistic principles.
Webster has a PhD from the University of British Columbia. In addition to teaching at the University of Regina, Webster has worked at the University of San Francisco and at the University of Toronto. He is the author of Fire and the Full Moon: Canada and Indonesia in a Decolonizing World and is the collection editor of East Timor Testimony.
Coffee House Controversies speakers give an informal 20-minute talk focusing on a topic of interest to the general public. The talks are intended to encourage the open exchange of ideas. Twenty minutes of discussion follows each talk, during which members of the general public can ask questions or raise issues with the speaker or other audience members.
The events are free and open to the public. Contact the Faculty of Arts at 585-4226 for more information.
University of Regina men's varsity curling team rocks gold medal at international competition
The team placed second after the completion of the eight-team round-robin portion of the competition, with Team China in first place. During the round-robin draws, the University of Regina team in fact defeated the first-place Chinese team, who will be competing at the Olympics. After the round-robin was completed, Team China was unable to continue in the playoff round because they were required to fly to Vancouver for Olympic preparations. This placed the University of Regina team in first place. They defeated Team New Zealand in the semi-final by a score of 9-6, and followed that by defeating Team Japan 10-3 in the final to capture the gold medal.
"We are so proud of the varsity men's curling team for winning the gold medal," says President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Regina, Dr. Vianne Timmons. "The team took on some of the best curling teams in the world - including one that will be representing its home country at the Olympics. Over the course of the competition, they represented our University and our country extremely well, and they deserve to be called world champions."
The road to Karuizawa was a long one for the team members. They first captured a gold medal at the CIS/CCA University Curling Championship, held at the Royal Montreal Curling Club in March 2009. That national championship qualified them to represent Canada at the Karuizawa International Curling Championship, which was established to commemorate the Nagano Winter Olympics held in 1998. The Karuizawa International Curling Championship's primary purpose is to promote the sport of curling throughout Japan and is held at the SCAP Karuizawa, the same curling venue that was used for the 1998 Nagano Olympics.
The University of Regina will recognize the accomplishment of the varsity men's curling team on the evening of Saturday, February 6, when the team members will be introduced during half-time of a University of Regina Cougar basketball game taking place at 8:00 p.m. the Centre for Kinesiology and Health Studies.
Statement from University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Vianne Timmons:
The Minister of Advanced Education Employment and Labour, the Honourable Rob Norris, announced that the Saskatchewan government will withdraw $5.2 million in provincial funding from First Nations University of Canada, effective April 1, 2010.
As the Minister stated, this is a regrettable decision - and one that obviously creates a challenging situation for First Nations University.
Over the past few weeks a very public debate has taken place with regard to the future of First Nations University of Canada.
I would like to take this opportunity to state that the leadership team at the University of Regina is firmly committed to the founding mission of First Nations University - "to enhance the quality of life, and to preserve, protect and interpret the history, language, culture and artistic heritage of First Nations people."
The Saskatchewan Indian Federated College was originally established in 1976 - and on National Aboriginal Day, June 21 2003, became known as the First Nations University of Canada - for a very good reason. This institution was created as an acknowledgement that together as a society, we must ensure that through post-secondary education, Canada's First Nations peoples can define and realize their role in society.
Achieving that aim comes fundamentally from providing opportunities for First Nations people to assume greater direct control over their lives in building societies that reflect their values, their hopes and their aspirations for future generations. The creation of First Nations University of Canada was a bold acknowledgement that education has a foundational role in creating this new society.
The principle of respectful engagement underscores the independence of First Nations University in its federated relationship with the University of Regina.
Let me be clear - while First Nations University is academically integrated with the University of Regina, it is legally and financially independent. For that reason, the University of Regina respects the independence of First Nations University.
That being said, we are committed to supporting First Nations University as it works to ensure ongoing, effective and accountable administration and governance of its operations.
To support this effort, and with particular regard for the success of our students, the University of Regina will continue to work with the provincial and federal governments and the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations to build a positive future for First Nations students by supporting their academic studies.
In such matters, our primary responsibility - our duty of care - is to the students of First Nations University of Canada. The continuity of quality post-secondary education for First Nations peoples continues to be our first priority.
My understanding is that the Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations will deliberate on the Begay report once it is released on February 18. Dr. Begay has said that he believes this report will allow some sense of relief for concerned stakeholders - and I am optimistic that the report will provide a way for all partners to unite and rebuild the partnership that will uphold the principles upon which First Nations University of Canada was founded.
As I said earlier, the founding mission of an independent First Nations University includes a commitment "to enhance the quality of life, and to preserve, protect and interpret the history, language, culture and artistic heritage of First Nations people." This province has created a valuable resource in Indigenous knowledge through First Nations University - we must not lose this resource.
Working together with our friends at First Nations University, the provincial and federal governments and First Nations leadership as respectful partners committed to this common mission remains the goal of the University of Regina.
There is a saying that "true friendship isn't about being there when it's convenient; it's about being there when it's not." That is the spirit that characterizes our commitment to the federation agreement with First Nations University, and this true friendship will continue to characterize our relationship in the future.
Canadian author to deliver lecture on Public Relations Perversions from Tobacco to Climate Change
Presented by the Faculty of Science and the School of Journalism, Faculty of Arts, Littlemore will tell us how public relations helped powerful interests to overwhelm scientific evidence in the climate change debate and derail action on climate change.
After spending 20 years as a writer and editor at such newspapers as the Ottawa Citizen and the Vancouver Sun, Littlemore jumped into a freelance career as an award-winning magazine writer, a consultant and a speechwriter for some of the west coast's most senior business and academic leaders.
Littlemore's interest in climate change dates to 1996, when he was hired to write the David Suzuki Foundation's first public information package on global warming. Serving at the time as an elected representative on the MetroVancouver Board of Directors, Littlemore was also appointed in 1998 to the Canadian government's Kyoto Implementation Process, where he got an insider's look at how climate change policy is made and, especially, how it is blocked. Littlemore has been the editor and lead writer for the climate change website desmogblog.com since its inception in 2005. He has been with Hoggan and Associates for more than a decade as a writer and senior strategist, and collaborated with Jim Hoggan on Climate Cover-Up: The Crusade to Deny Global Warming and on the earlier book, Do the Right Thing.
Littlemore will also be hosting a book signing which will take place from 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Feb. 3, in the Science Boardroom (room 237), Laboratory Building, at the University of Regina.
Littlemore will be speaking at the Selam Ethiopian Restaurant, 2115 Broad Street at 7:00 p.m. on Feb. 3, presented by Clean Green Regina and the Regina Public Interest Research Group.
University of Regina prepares students for bilingual careers in the federal public service
The CSPS created the program as part of the federal government's "Roadmap for Canada's Linguistic Duality 2008-2013: Acting for the Future." The program gives students considering a bilingual career in the federal public service the opportunity to meet bilingual requirements for many public service jobs prior to graduating.
The House of Commons Standing Committee on Official Languages recently determined that the federal government must fill 5,000 bilingual positions, per year, for the foreseeable future, in order to meet the need for bilingual services across the country.
"We are proud to offer this important development opportunity to our students," says U of R President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vianne Timmons. "Like the UR Guarantee initiative, this online language training program is yet another example of how the University of Regina helps to prepare its students to enter the workforce immediately after graduation."
The leadership of the program at the U of R will be provided by the Institut français, which, since its creation in 2003, has provided French-language training to numerous public servants. A selected cohort of 25 U of R students will undertake the 24-month, part-time program with online access to language training tools normally reserved for federal public servants. These tools include high-tech language evaluation simulations and assessments, as well as interactive tools designed to improve comprehension, pronunciation, grammar and writing skills. At the Institut français, students will benefit from in-person tutorial sessions, as well as a series of workshops related to bilingual careers in the federal public service.
- French to follow -
Contact: Dale Johnson Date de publication: 1er février 2010
Relations externes
Tél.: 306-585-5439
Portable : 306-536-4312
Courriel : Dale.Johnson@uregina.ca
L'Université de Regina prépare des étudiants à des carrières bilingues dans la fonction publique fédérale
L'Université de Regina est l'une de 11 universités canadiennes à avoir été choisie pour participer à un nouveau programme pilote dirigé par l'École de la fonction publique du Canada (EFPC). Celui-ci permet à des étudiants universitaires d'accéder en ligne à des outils de formation en langue seconde de grande qualité.
L'ECFP a créé ce programme dans le cadre de la Feuille de route pour la dualité linguistique canadienne 2008-2013 : agir pour l'avenir du gouvernement fédéral. Il donne aux étudiants qui pensent faire carrière dans le service public fédéral la chance de répondre aux exigences de bilinguisme de nombreux postes du service public avant de recevoir leur diplôme.
Le Comité permanent des langues officielles de la Chambre des communes a récemment déterminé que le gouvernement fédéral devra combler, dans l'avenir prévisible, 5 000 postes bilingues par an afin de répondre aux besoins en services bilingues à travers le pays.
Nous sommes fiers d'offrir cette chance importante de développement à nos étudiants, déclare Mme Vianne Timmons, rectrice et vice-chancelière de l'U de R. Comme notre initiative UR Guarantee, ce programme d'apprentissage linguistique en ligne est un autre exemple de la façon dont l'Université de Regina aide ses étudiants à entrer sur le marché du travail dès l'obtention de leur diplôme.
À l'U de R, ce programme sera dirigé par l'Institut français, qui, depuis sa création en 2003, a formé de nombreux fonctionnaires en français. Une cohorte de 25 étudiants de l'U de R sera sélectionnée pour entreprendre ce programme de 24 mois, à temps partiel, avec accès à des outils de formation linguistique en ligne, normalement réservés aux fonctionnaires fédéraux. Ceux-ci comprennent des simulations et évaluations linguistiques d'avant-garde ainsi que des outils interactifs conçus pour améliorer la compréhension, la prononciation, la grammaire et les habiletés de rédaction. À l'Institut français, les étudiants pourront profiter de séances de tutorat en face à face et prendre part à une série d'ateliers reliés aux carrières bilingues dans la fonction publique fédérale.
Commercial speech on television in Canada: Stealth advertising in local television news
Chernov says that past research has demonstrated that local television news in Canada is vulnerable to the intrusion of commercially influenced messages.
"My research involved a provincial television news station for an eight-week period. The results concluded that commercially influenced messages were framed as regular news reports," says Chernov. "News makers reject the inclusion of content due to advertisers' pressure, however, they accept the inclusion of commercially tinted news segments assuming they cover business activities relevant to the community's interests, blending the divide between editorial and commercial content."
Join Chernov for the latest Coffee House Controversies lecture on January 28 at 7:30 p.m. in Chapters bookstore behind the Southland Mall (2625 Gordon Road). His talk will cover the public sphere theory that suggests commercial content calls into question the validity of truth claims in the news and suggests commercial speech in the news is legitimate editorial content.
Chernov has a PhD from the University of Oregon in Communication Studies. He was a correspondent, narrator and commentator for the Russian State Broadcasting Co. He gained his international broadcasting experience as a participant at the BBC World Service training program and as an intern at the International Desk at CNN. His interests include the commercialization of television news, psychological mechanisms of media effects and agenda-setting theory.
Coffee House Controversies speakers give an informal 20-minute talk focusing on a topic of interest to the general public. The talks are intended to encourage the open exchange of ideas. Twenty minutes of discussion follows each talk, during which members of the general public can ask questions or raise issues with the speaker or other audience members.
The events are free and open to the public. Contact the Faculty of Arts at 585-4226 for more information.
Talkin' About School & Society looks at democracy in Canadian schools
Professors from the University of Regina's Faculty of Education and guests facilitate conversations in the informal atmosphere of La Bodega Restaurant, 2228 Albert Street in Regina, on Monday, January 25, 2010, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Complimentary snacks will be provided.
The presenters will be Dr. Jennifer Tupper of the University of Regina and Dr. Joel Westheimer of the University of Ottawa.
Westheimer will also be delivering a free public lecture on Monday, January 25, 2010, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. in the Education Auditorium at the U of R entitled "No Child Left Thinking: Democracy at Risk in Canadian Schools" on the topic of social justice, citizenship, and democracy.
Westheimer is co-founder and executive director of Democratic Dialogue, (www.democraticdialogue.com). Westheimer teaches, researches, and writes on democratic engagement, social justice, activism, service learning, and community in education. He has had several books published, including Pledging Allegiance: The Politics of Patriotism in America's Schools (2007) which Teacher Magazine called "this year's most important education book." He also writes for newspapers, magazines and scholarly journals. He has been on radio and TV programs including Good Morning America, C-Span, NPR, and CBC radio.
Westheimer has received numerous awards including the 2009 Canadian Education Association's Whitworth Award, which honours noteworthy contributions to educational research in Canada.
The Talkin' About School & Society lecture series is one way that the University of Regina moves out of academia and into the community to discuss critical issues that ultimately affect all of us. It provides everyone who is interested an opportunity to engage in conversations about schools, teaching and education. Patrick Lewis and Marc Spooner, University of Regina education professors, will help facilitate the evening of conversation.
The final session of this year's Talkin' About School & Society series will be held on March 15, 2010, and the topic will be "Accountability and Standardized Assessment...who is being served?"
For more information email Patrick.lewis@uregina.ca or marc.spooner@uregina.ca.
Paul J. Hill School of Business students finish strong in business competition
A team of 53 students from the Paul J. Hill School of Business competed against students from nine other universities across western Canada, and finished second overall behind the University of British Columbia. U of R students placed second in five categories: business strategy, international business, marketing, sport and tax. This is the third consecutive year the U of R has finished in second spot, making it the only team to finish in the top three in each of the last three years.
JDC West celebrates academic excellence and team synergy by providing opportunities for business students in western Canada to achieve excellence in academics, social responsibility, and social competitions.
"Our students again performed extremely well," says Anne Lavack, Dean of Business Administration at the U of R. "Finishing second overall is a major accomplishment at the largest and most prestigious university business competition in western Canada, and this demonstrates the high quality of our students at the Paul J. Hill School of Business."
Next year the event will be held at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.
University of Regina granted nearly $500,000 for research
Vice-President Research, Dr. David Gauthier, says these funding commitments from the CFI recognize the high quality of research being carried out at the U of R. "We are very pleased with the opportunities this funding creates for the University and our research partners," says Gauthier.
The largest grant - $214,000 - will be used to establish a 3-D Physical and Computational Reservoir Modelling Laboratory, which will provide innovative infrastructure for researchers in petroleum engineering to investigate possible approaches to enhance heavy oil recovery while minimizing environmental impact and to reduce CO2 emissions through geological carbon sequestration. The project is lead by Dr. Fanhua Zeng in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.
A grant of $144,269 will be used to establish the Prairie Environmental Processes Laboratory (PEPL), which will integrate studies of the prairie environmental system, including precipitation, stream flow and landscape changes. PEPL will be the only facility of its kind in the prairies. This project will be led by Dr. Kyle Hodder of the Department of Geography.
Dr. Darren Candow, assistant professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies will receive $58,830 to develop simple yet effective exercise and nutrition strategies to increase aging muscle and bone mass. This innovative research will help improve our understanding of how aging muscle and bone respond and adapt to exercise and nutritional intervention strategies which may result in cost savings to the Saskatchewan government by improving functionality and quality of life for older adults.
The final grant for $73,131 will be used to establish a Child Health, Learning and Development (CHLD) Laboratory under the leadership of Dr. Kristi Wright of the Department of Psychology. The new CHLD Laboratory will provide opportunities for research projects designed to understand and improve a child's ability to cope with stressful experiences. The work will focus on several areas, including the nature of how stressful events are experienced by children; how children remember such experiences; how children prepare for and cope during a stressful experience; how experiencing stress impacts learning, academic skills and cognition; and the long-term impact on children's development.
The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) was created by the Government of Canada to fund world-class research at universities, colleges, research hospitals, and non-profit research institutions.
Conference on the Caron Case and the Status of French in Western Canada
REGINA, December 9, 2009 - The Association des juristes d'expression française de la Saskatchewan (AJEFS) and the Institut français of the University of Regina are proud to announce that a bilingual conference entitled "The Caron Case: The Status of French in Western Canada" will be held at the Institut français on February 19 and 20, 2010.
The joint organizers will unveil the tentative conference program at a press conference to be held: Monday, December 14, 2009 11:30 a.m. in the Institut français Rotunda (LI 216)
University of Regina Regina, SK
This national conference aims to address the many questions that have arisen in the R. v. Caron case in Alberta. Gilles Caron asked that the courts recognize the constitutional status of French in the legislative and judicial processes of Alberta. After a lengthy trial, the Alberta provincial court ruled in Mr. Caron's favour in 2008. A decision by the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench on the government's subsequent appeal is pending.
This conference is both academic and community-oriented and will bring together experts in history, law and sociology, as well as representatives of the Francophone communities of Canada. Other noteworthy participants in attendance will include:
• the Commissioner of Official Languages of Canada, Graham Fraser,
• representatives of the Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada and
• representatives of the Fédération des associations de juristes d'expression française de common law.
The conference's Friday night banquet will be followed by a special concert event celebrating the dynamic presence of the Métis and Francophone communities of Western Canada, from the 19th Century until today.
"If Mr. Caron ultimately wins his case, French will become an official language of the legislature and the courts in Alberta," explains Peter Bergbusch, AJEFS president. "Since the constitutional arguments presented by Mr. Caron are equally relevant in Saskatchewan, all Saskatchewan residents should follow the evolution of this case with great interest."
"For this conference, we identified two objectives: to further the research conducted on the status of French in Western Canada as it pertains to the Caron case and to raise awareness among the public about the issues related to this case," adds Peter Dorrington, acting director of the Institut français.
Media Contacts:
Cassandre Louis
Project Development Officer
AJEFS
ajefs2@sasktel.net
(306) 924-8543
Colloque sur la cause Caron et le statut du français
dans l'Ouest canadien : les 19 et 20 février 2010
REGINA, le 9 décembre 2009 - L'Association des juristes d'expression française de la Saskatchewan (AJEFS) et l'Institut français de l'Université de Regina sont fiers d'annoncer le colloque bilingue intitulé Le statut du français dans l'Ouest canadien : la cause Caron qui aura lieu à l'Institut français les 19 et 20 février 2010.
Les partenaires dévoileront le programme préliminaire du colloque lors d'une conférence de presse : Le lundi 14 décembre 2009
à 11h30, Rotonde de l'Institut français (LI 216)
Université de Regina Regina, SK
Ce colloque national a pour but de répondre aux nombreuses questions suscitées par la cause La Reine c. Caron en Alberta. Gilles Caron a demandé aux tribunaux de reconnaître le statut constitutionnel du français dans le processus législatif et devant les tribunaux de la province. À la suite d'un long procès, la Cour provinciale de l'Alberta a rendu un jugement favorable à M. Caron en 2008. Le gouvernement a porté la cause en appel auprès de la Cour du Banc de la Reine de l'Alberta et une décision devrait être rendue sous peu.
Le colloque, à la fois scientifique et communautaire, réunira des spécialistes dans les domaines historique, juridique et sociologique ainsi que des intervenants des communautés francophones du Canada. Quelques personnalités de marque seront également présentes :
• Le Commissaire aux langues officielles du Canada, Graham Fraser,
• Des représentants de la Fédération des communautés francophones et acadienne du Canada et
• Des représentants de la Fédération des juristes d'expression française de common law.
Le banquet de la conférence, le vendredi soir, sera suivi d'un spectacle mettant en valeur la présence dynamique des communautés métisses et francophones de l'Ouest canadien, depuis le 19e siècle et jusqu'à nos jours.
Si M. Caron gagne ultimement sa cause, le français deviendra une langue officielle de gouvernance et de justice provinciales en Alberta, explique Me Peter Bergbusch, président de l'AJEFS. Puisque les arguments constitutionnels présentés par M. Caron valent également pour notre province, tous les Saskatchewannais devraient suivre avec intérêt l‘évolution de cette cause.
Avec ce colloque, nous visons deux objectifs : faire avancer la recherche sur le statut du français dans l'Ouest canadien dans le cadre de la cause Caron et sensibiliser le public aux enjeux de cette cause, ajoute Peter Dorrington, directeur par intérim de l'Institut français.
Renseignements :
Cassandre Louis
Agente de projets
AJEFS
ajefs2@sasktel.net
(306) 924-8543
University of Regina showcasing its work at Copenhagen
The University of Regina will profile its leading work in carbon capture and storage at the United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen, Denmark this month.
The University of Regina has been a leader in innovative research and development in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies for 20 years, with partners in Canada and around the world. The importance of CCS as a climate change technology has been recognized by organizers of the United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change, which will be held in Copenhagen from December 7 to 18, 2009.
"Participating at the Copenhagen conference means we can talk about our real-world solutions in a global setting," says Dr. Malcolm Wilson, director of the Office of Energy and Environment at the U of R.
The University's booth will showcase the latest achievements in CCS developed at its International Test Centre for CO2 Capture, and profile opportunities for international collaboration through the International Performance Assessment Centre for the Geologic Storage of CO2 (IPAC-CO2). IPAC-CO2 was established at the University of Regina in November 2008 with $5 million in funding from the Government of Saskatchewan and Royal Dutch Shell.
"The University is honoured by this incredible opportunity to participate with governments, researchers and industry from around the world and contribute our expertise as a leader in developing CCS technology to mitigate climate change," says University of Regina President, Dr. Vianne Timmons.
Meetings during the Copenhagen conference are being arranged with key officials and organizations involved in climate change mitigation solutions. About 25,000 participants are expected to attend the Copenhagen conference and work toward a climate change regime that will see a reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases.
University of Regina to host internationally renowned speakers at women's leadership conference
The conference will include keynote sessions, a panel discussion and networking opportunities. In particular, the panel will comment on the importance of mentorship and explore the role that today's leaders can play in developing leaders of the future.
"Mentorship by leaders has made a tremendous difference in my life and career," says University of Regina President, Dr. Vianne Timmons, who was recently named one of Canada's top 100 most powerful women by the Women's Executive Network. "I'm proud that the University of Regina's Inspiring Leadership forum will provide that same opportunity for self-development to so many other women."
Sharon MacLeod is best known for her expertise in consumer behavior and as the driving force behind Dove's Campaign for Real Beauty - an initiative designed to expand our society's conception of beauty by working against stereotypes. A true visionary in her field, MacLeod challenges traditional marketing and business practices, believing that professionals like her can extend the power of brands to positively impact the lives of women everywhere.
Betsy Myers is a leadership expert who specializes in teaching business groups how to be effective and inspirational. As a senior advisor during Barack Obama's presidential campaign, she was instrumental in helping him get elected. She also was also appointed chair of the Women for Obama committee, and travelled extensively speaking to undecided voters, particularly about women's outreach.
Dr. Marla Shapiro is the author of a new best-selling book, Life in the Balance: My Journey with Breast Cancer, which draws on her recent life-threatening battle with breast cancer and her remarkable journey back to health. A well-known medical commentator, Dr. Shapiro will share her experiences both as a prominent female physician and as a patient, who discovered first-hand how vulnerable yet strong we can be in the face of a great personal challenge.
In addition to the keynote speakers, conference participants will hear from a panel of local leaders and will have the opportunity to ask them questions about their journeys to the top. The panel will be chaired by Dr. Marlene Smadu, Associate Dean of the Southern Saskatchewan Campus for the College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, and former Assistant Deputy Minister of Health and principal nursing advisor for the Government of Saskatchewan. Dr. Smadu will be joined by leaders in fields such as politics, education and the arts, including award-winning Saskatchewan playwright and poet Kelley Jo Burke, the 2009 recipient of the Saskatchewan Lieutenant-Governor's Award for Leadership in the Arts.
This is the first event in an annual series on leadership hosted by the University of Regina. To attend Inspiring Leadership: Realize the Leader in You! register at www.uregina.ca/inspiringleadership2010. For more information, contact inspiringleadership2010@gmail.com.
Internationally recognized psychologist to speak at University of Regina
Zimbardo, an emeritus professor of psychology at Stanford University, is the leading "voice and face of contemporary psychology" through his widely seen PBS-TV series, Discovering Psychology. He is perhaps best known for his controversial research called ‘The Stanford Prison Study' through which he assigned students roles as prison guards and inmates, dramatically simulating prison life. The planned two-week investigation into the psychology of prison life had to be ended prematurely after only six days as the student ‘guards' were found to be sadistic and the student ‘prisoners' were found to be depressed and showing signs of extreme stress. The study, conducted in the summer of 1971, was designed to unveil what happens when you put good people in an evil place.
Zimbardo's most recent work has included two new publications The Lucifer Effect: Understanding How Good People Turn Evil and Time Paradox along with the creation of an international organization that will promote heroism as an antidote to evil - "The Hero Project". His textbook, Psychology and Life, is used by students at the University of Regina studying psychology 101.
The lectures are sponsored by the Departments of Psychology, Philosophy, and Justice Studies, the Humanities Research Institute, Faculty of Arts and Pearson Education Canada. The lectures are free and open to the public.
Former Australian opposition leader among U of R grads giving back to alma mater as part of alumni awards program
In the late 1960s Hewson was seeking to attend graduate school in the U.S. when he discovered that he was too late to register for the current academic year. Seeking alternatives in the U.K. and Canada he decided the University of Regina provided the most interesting option. He went on to complete his master's of arts degree in economics in only 11 months before moving on to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore to complete a PhD.
Of his time at the U of R, Hewson says, "In large measure, my experiences at the University of Regina laid the foundations for my multiple careers, well beyond my basic discipline of economics, as essential as that has been to whatever I have done. Perhaps it stems from my basic religious foundations, but I do believe that an important purpose of life, is to live a life of purpose, and I came to understand and practise that at the University of Regina."
This year's other Alumni Crowning Achievement recipients include: The Honourable Georgina R. Jackson BA(Dist)'73, one of Canada's top jurists, this year's recipient of the Award for Professional Achievement. Laura Pettigrew BMus'97, MMus'01, receives the Award for Distinguished Humanitarian and Community Service for her dedication to music, promotion of the arts, and bringing fine arts into the lives of underprivileged children. Don Millard BA'74, a great supporter of the U of R, receives the Dr. Robert and Norma Ferguson Award for Outstanding Service to the University and the University of Regina Alumni Association. Corey Matthews BEd'03, an educator with a passion for leading youth in the inner city who draws from personal experience to relate to his students, is this year's Outstanding Young Alumnus.
The Alumni Crowning Achievement Awards were established in 2005 to celebrate alumni who have realized extraordinary achievements and made remarkable contributions to the University of Regina and their communities.
Each recipient will return to the University for and on-campus mentoring session which will give students an unparalleled learning opportunity with these special community leaders. Details of Dr. Hewson's and Laura Pettigrew's sessions are listed below.
DR. JOHN HEWSON PRESENTATION:
Friday, November 20
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Graduate Studies Boardroom NR110.3
North Residence
Speaking to graduate students from Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy.
LAURA PETTIGREW PRESENTATION:
Thursday, November 26
12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Riddell Centre Room 175
Speaking to the music students and university community on such timely topics as the importance of volunteerism in the arts, and how freelance artists establish themselves in a community.
NOTE TO MEDIA: HEWSON WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS FOLLOWING HIS PRESENTATION.
For more information, contact:
Brenda Oliver
Ph: 585-4838
Fax: 585-4997
Email: Brenda.Oliver@uregina.ca
For complete biographies of all recipients visit our website at: http://www.uregina.ca/alumni/e-acaag.htm
First publication of French section in Saskatchewan student newspapers
Born of an idea from the Institut français, this additional section aims to increase post-secondary students' access to French. Articles in the section are written by Francophone students, sought out by the Institut français, from the two universities. The Institut also offers these students editorial and linguistic support in producing the articles. The section will appear in the two papers occasionally, each time a sufficient number of articles is prepared.
To aid in the comprehension of the content and to encourage English-speaking readers or those learning French to read it, each article is accompanied by a glossary of translated terms, as well as a synopsis in English.
According to Peter Mills, editor in chief of The Carillon, this first collaboration between the Institut français and the two student papers intends to encourage exposure to French outside of the classroom.
"The Français section allows students the opportunity to read French in nearly every hallway, learn about the great activities happening in Regina's francophone community, and will promote the French language - one of our official languages - and cultural diversity," he adds, in a message from the editor.
"We are ecstatic about the openness shown by the two student newspapers, as well as their willingness to support this project," says Peter Dorrington, acting director of the Institut français. "We chose to contribute to these existing papers, instead of creating our own Francophone paper, to maximize the visibility of French among the province's university student population."
Free copies of The Carillon and The Sheaf are available at the respective campuses of the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan.
Première parution de la section francophone dans les journaux étudiants de la Saskatchewan
REGINA, le 17 novembre 2009 - C'est cette semaine que la nouvelle section francophone des journaux étudiants de l'Université de Regina (The Carillon) et de l'Université de la Saskatchewan (The Sheaf) fait ses débuts.
Née d'une idée de l'Institut français, cette section supplémentaire vise à augmenter l'accès des étudiants postsecondaires au français. Les articles de la section sont écrits par des étudiants francophones des deux universités recrutés par l'Institut qui leur apporte de l'appui pour la rédaction et la correction des textes. La section paraîtra dans les deux journaux de façon ponctuelle.
Pour faciliter la compréhension du contenu et encourager les anglophones ou ceux qui étudient le français à le lire, chaque article est accompagné d'un lexique de termes qui y sont utilisés (traduits en anglais) et d'un résumé en anglais.
Selon Peter Mills, rédacteur en chef du Carillon, cette première collaboration entre l'Institut français et les deux journaux universitaires de la province a pour but d'encourager l'utilisation du français à l'extérieur de la salle de classe.
La section francophone permet aux étudiants d'avoir accès au français dans pratiquement chaque couloir, de suivre les excellentes activités qui ont lieu dans la communauté francophone et de promouvoir la langue française - une de nos langues officielles - ainsi que la diversité culturelle, ajoute-t-il dans le mot du rédacteur.
Nous sommes ravis de l'ouverture des deux journaux étudiants et de leur volonté d'appuyer ce projet, déclare Peter Dorrington, directeur par intérim de l'Institut français. Nous avons choisi de contribuer à ces journaux existants au lieu de créer notre propre journal francophone afin d'assurer au français un maximum de visibilité auprès des étudiants universitaires de la province.
Des exemplaires gratuits du Carillon et du Sheaf sont disponibles respectivement sur les campus de l'Université de Regina et l'Université de la Saskatchewan.
Talkin' About School and Society talks about pathologizing childhood and adolescence
Is there a rise in the number of children being prescribed medication for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or other so-called disorders?
The public is invited to share their thoughts, concerns and ideas about this issue at the next Talkin' About School & Society discussion series.
"Pathologizing Childhood and Adolescence" is the topic on Monday, November 16, 2009, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. when professors from the University of Regina's Faculty of Education and guests facilitate conversations in the informal atmosphere of La Bodega Restaurant, 2228 Albert Street in Regina. Complimentary snacks will be provided.
The Talkin' About School & Society lecture series is one way for the University to move out of academia and into the community to discuss critical issues that ultimately affect all of us. It provides everyone who is interested an opportunity to engage in conversations about schools, teaching and education. Patrick Lewis and Marc Spooner, University of Regina education professors, will help facilitate the evening of conversation.
Future dates and topics for the Talkin' About School & Society series include:
- Jan. 25, 2010 - No Child Left Thinking: Democracy at Risk in Canadian Schools
- Mar. 15, 2010 - Accountability and Standardized Assessment...who is being served?
For more information email patricklewis@uregina.ca or marc.spooner@uregina.ca.
University of Regina to offer new dual credit program
The Ministry of Education's policy on special projects recognizes student achievement in areas outside of the standard secondary level education offerings and encourages students to become involved in the selection, planning, and organization of their own programs. This policy was recently amended by the Ministry to allow students to attain up to three credits in this manner and to include post-secondary courses as an option for attaining credits.
"We are very excited about this change in the Ministry's policy to allow students to gain credit for completing a University course while in high school," says University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Vianne Timmons. "The University of Regina's high school accelerated program provides a positive transition for students interested in pursuing post-secondary study. It offers exciting learning options for students who are ready for additional academic challenges, and encourages them to explore areas of academic interest not available through the high school curriculum."
"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to continuous improvement and accountability within the provincial education system," says Deputy Premier and Minister of Education, Ken Krawetz. "Ensuring the learning success and achievement of our young people is vital to moving our province forward while preparing our youth to meet the challenges of the future."
"Accelerated programs don't just give high school students a chance to try on academic life; they also offer those students an unusual opportunity to build up the momentum to carry them to University success," says Dr. Susan Johnston, associate professor in the Department of English at the University of Regina. "I've always been really impressed by the discipline and commitment of those accelerated students, and I know from experience that they have translated those early experiences into the kinds of success at University we want to model for all our students."
The University of Regina is also exploring partnerships with school divisions to develop initiatives that would allow high school students to gain high school credits while exploring specific academic interests. In such cases, high school students may not necessarily receive direct University credit (i.e. a designated course on a University transcript) but students who participate in the project(s) could receive high school credit while engaging in unique research and academic exploration at the University of Regina.
University of Regina public lecture series on mysteries of the universe
"Our intention is to promote the importance of physics research based in Regina and the public service we provide to Saskatchewan. We want to provide a deeper awareness of the impact of science, particularly physics, on our everyday lives. The lectures will be given in a non-technical way, so we hope to attract a broad audience, and will be delighted if high school students attend," says Dr. Dinesh Singh, one of the organizers.
The first lecture will be held on Nov. 12, when Dr. George Lolos talks about A Visit to the Subatomic Physics Particle Zoo. Lolos will discuss how understanding the organization of subatomic particles is important for basic scientific research, which led to imaging applications in the medical field, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT).
On Nov. 19, Dr. Dinesh Singh will talk about Albert Einstein's Legacy and the Future: The Search for Signs of Quantum Gravity. Among other topics, Singh will discuss how Einstein's theories apply to Global Positioning Systems (GPS) used for navigational devices and rescue missions.
The final lecture in the series will be held on Nov. 26, when Dr. Edward Mathie will discuss Saskatchewan Uranium Issues: Nuclear Physics for the Public. Mathie, who served on the Uranium Development Partnership, will discuss some scientific realities in the debate over nuclear energy.
Each lecture will be less than an hour, followed by a discussion period. Refreshments will be served afterwards. There is no charge to attend the lectures, and free parking will be available in Lot 15 (M area).
For more information, please go to http://www.uregina.ca/science .
