Mount Saint Vincent University is one of 17 universities and colleges from across Canada – and the only Nova Scotia institution – selected to work with the Tri-Agency Dimensions team to foster increased research excellence, innovation and creativity within the post-secondary sector across all disciplines through increased equity, diversity and inclusion.
The participating institutions were announced today, August 15, 2019, at an event at Ryerson University, led by the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport and the Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance.
In June, MSVU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mary Bluechardt signed the Dimensions charter on behalf of the University, indicating an institutional commitment to embedding eight EDI-focused principles in University policies, practices and action plans. The charter is considered a foundational element of the new Dimensions program.
At that time, Dr. Bluechardt noted: “The Mount was founded on a commitment to equality of opportunity, and the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion remain at the core of who we are today. Together with colleagues across our University and across the national post-secondary landscape, I look forward to advancing efforts that support the participation of a truly diverse research community. This is a critical effort that stands to benefit all Canadians as beneficiaries of our researchers’ critical work.”
This pilot program is the next phase of the Dimensions initiative led by the three federal granting agencies: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). In 2018, the Government of Canada committed to implementing a version of the internationally recognized Athena SWAN program adapted to Canadian realities. The Dimensions program launched in 2019.