News Release
HRM, Metro Universities Sign MOU
(Tuesday, October 4/05)-- Halifax Regional Municipality and metro’s six universities pledged to partner today in meeting future challenges of mutual interest facing the community.
An official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed during a ceremony at City Hall this morning by Mayor Peter Kelly, on behalf of Halifax Regional Council, and by Paul Greenhalgh, President of NSCAD University and Chair of the Metro University Presidents’ Consortium. The Presidents of metro’s six universities attended the event, as well some members of Halifax Regional Council.
The six metro universities include The Atlantic School of Theology, Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University, University of King’s College, Mount Saint Vincent University and NSCAD University
In November 2004, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce organized an Economic Summit at the request of HRM. The Summit resulted in 21 recommendations from the business community into the development of an economic strategy for HRM. Under the category of "post-secondary institutions," a recommendation was made that HRM develop a formal relationship with metro post-secondary institutions. That suggestion was fulfilled today.
“One of the obvious immediate benefits of this agreement to HRM is the ability to tap in to the tremendous wealth of intellectual power that exists in our metro universities,” said Mayor Kelly. “The universities are very much a part of this community, and contribute greatly to our economy, arts and culture, sport and recreation activities. More importantly, they are now officially our partners as we look to the future for new growth and opportunities.”
The Mayor said one common characteristics of great cities throughout the world is that they all have great universities. Those universities can assist these great cities in promoting economic, social and cultural vitality.
“The signing of this MOU is an important step in the evolution of our relationship with HRM and the community. Our six universities are both a key economic driver and a creative hub, essential to the growth and vitality of metro,” said President Greenhalgh. “There is much we can achieve together, on behalf of our institutions, students and all citizens.”
Initial areas to be examined for collaborative opportunities include:
• participation in development of a Cultural Policy for HRM
• collaboration on an Immigration Action Plan/Strategy
• institutional support to HRM on recreation policy and programming
• improved transportation connections
• community policing
• strategic planning
• shared use of facilities
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John O’Brien
Manager, HRM Corporate Communications
(902) 490-6531
Peter Halpin
Executive Director
Association of Atlantic Universities
(902)425-4238
