The 2023-2024 academic year brought forth many exciting opportunities and strong engagement from government officials from all levels of government and parties.
MP Ryan Turnbull Visits Keele Campus
In July, we welcomed Whitby MP and ISED Parliamentary Secretary Ryan Turnbull for a discussion of York’s social procurement policy, a meeting with YSpace entrepreneurs, and a tour of York’s Social Innovation Hub. It was a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate the many ways in which York University supports small businesses and the local community.
Meetings with the Federal Government
Government Relations staff were in Ottawa in May for meetings with MPs and public servants to discuss our institutional priorities and the future of higher education. It was great to be in the nation’s capital and catch up with our federal partners. A warm thank you to everyone who met with us.
York Leading Development of Smarter Transport Tech
In May, the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), with support from the Ontario Government, announced $1.5 million in funding to York University and in partnership with Centennial College. This funding will support small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in developing and testing innovative automotive technologies and smart mobility solutions.
Ontario Government Approves York University School of Medicine
The government of Ontario approved York’s School of Medicine proposal, as well as $9 million in start-up funding as part of Budget 2024. York thanks the government for partnering with us on this historic initiative. On April 3, President Rhonda Lenton joined Premier Doug Ford, Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca, Minister Jill Dunlop and others at the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital to celebrate this important milestone.
Markham Campus Hard Hat Tour with MPPs
On March 1, we were pleased to welcome MPPs Logan Kanapathi, Billy Pang, Laura Smith, and Daisy Wai for a tour of our soon-to-be-completed Markham campus. With construction now in its final phase, we’re excited to open the doors to our first cohort of students this September.
York University GR Team Visits Ottawa
The YorkU team was in Ottawa at the beginning of February for meetings with MPs and public servants to discuss our institutional priorities. It was great to be in the nation’s capital and catch up with our federal partners. Thanks to everyone who met with us.
TTC Chair Jamaal Myers Keele Campus Visit
On January 16, the YorkU team was pleased to meet with Councillor Jamaal Myers, who represents Ward 23 Scarborough North and serves as Chair of the TTC Board. We were happy to give Councillor Myers a tour of the campus, show him our two TTC stations, and discuss York’s social procurement policy.
Minister Kamal Khera Announces Federal Funding for Jean Augustine Chair
On November 10, 2023 the York community joined Jean Augustine for Minister Khera’s announcement that the Government of Canada will contribute $1.5 million to the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora. Augustine was the first Black woman ever elected to the House of Commons, representing Etobicoke-Lakeshore from 1993 to 2006. Among her many endeavours, she was a member of the York University Board of Governors from 1991 to 1994.
Mayor Steven Del Duca Attends York Panel Discussion
On November 6, 2023, experts from York University and the Mackenzie Health held a panel discussion in collaboration with the City of Vaughan. The event explored the fundamental themes of health equity, empowerment and the significance of relationships between health-care providers, communities and families. Thanks to all those who attended, including Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca.
Markham Campus Hard Hat Tour
In September 2023, President Rhonda Lenton provided a Hard Hat Tour of the Markham Campus to the Mayor, City Councillors, and senior staff at the City of Markham. The attendees were provided with an update on Academic programming as well as updates on the construction.
Tour of Glendon Campus with Deputy Minister Roda Muse
In July 2023, President Rhonda Lenton and Principal Marco Fiola provided a tour of the Bilingual Glendon Campus to Ontario’s Deputy Minister of Francophone Affairs Roda Muse. DM Muse had an opportunity to speak with students and researchers from the biology and psychology programs about their research and discuss the importance of bilingual education in Ontario.
Minister Michael Kerzner visits York University and ADERSIM
In June 2023, York University President Rhonda Lenton provided a tour of the Keele Campus to Ontario’s Solicitor General and MPP for York Centre Michael Kerzner (BA LA&PS ’86). Minister Kerzner had the opportunity to visit the Advanced Disaster, Emergency, and Rapid Response Simulation (ADERSIM) Lab which aims to enhance disaster and emergency planning across various sectors. The minister also had the opportunity to hear from the University’s Emergency Management experts.
