Panel to discuss how immigration strengthens the Atlantic Canadian fabric

Communities are strengthened by diversity. When we introduce new ideas and perspectives, expertise, customs and history, it expands our existing culture. Through immigration, our communities flourish into a more vibrant and dynamic society.

In 2018, Nova Scotia set a new immigration record, which is good news for a province that continues to seek ways to boost its population and its workforce. But the increase in immigration does not come without challenges.

Join experienced immigration representatives from Dalhousie’s Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences, Health and Management, and the university’s Legal Counsel on May 31 at an Open Dialogue event, as they discuss how immigration is impacting our province. They will focus on the challenges, opportunities and everything in between.

The conversation will discuss the innovative, practical and actionable solutions that can strengthen Atlantic Canada’s immigration system, and how together, we can build more inclusive communities.

Howard Ramos – Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences

Professor Ramos is a political sociologist who investigates issues of social justice and equity. He has published on social movements, human rights, Indigenous mobilization, environmental advocacy, ethnicity, race and Atlantic Canada. He is currently working on projects looking at Atlantic Canadian secondary cities, state funding of NGOs, environmental advocacy, tourism development, and integration of immigrants and refugees.

Afolake Awoyiga – Faculty of Health

Afolake Awoyiga is a Social Worker with experience in Child Welfare and Health Care Social Work with the IWK Health Centre and the Nova Scotia Health Authority. Her most recent experience has been working at the IWK Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) as a Clinical Social Worker. Afolake is one of the founders of Generation 1 Leadership Initiative, a support and educational group for youth dedicated to providing immigrant children and youth with fun and inspiring experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Afolake has worked as a Faculty Field Advisor in the Dalhousie School of Social Work. In this role, she facilitated field teaching, student learning and the integration of theory and practice. Afolake is a Dal Alumna. BSW (’13) and MSW (’14) .

Gregory Adolphe-Nazaire – Faculty of Management

Professor Adolphe-Nazaire, an immigrant from Port Au Prince, Haiti, is an award-winning teacher and one of Dal’s most well-respected and well-liked faculty members. Recipient of the A. Gordon Archibald Teaching Excellence Award, Adolphe-Nazaire strives to bring real-world experience and community understanding into the classroom.

Karin McLay

Karin McLay joined Dalhousie University in 2010 and works as the legal advisor for the university’s international portfolio. As part of her role, she provides immigration advice when the university recruits foreign faculty and staff. Prior to joining Dal, McLay worked for the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission and in private practice with a focus on employment and administrative law. She is a practising member of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society and earned her law degree from the University of New Brunswick in 2001.

Marie Chapman – Moderator (new)

Marie Chapman started her fundraising career in 1991 at Mount Allison University, her alma mater. Since that time, she has worked for Dalhousie University, the IWK Foundation and the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 where she has been in the role of Chief Executive Officer since 2011. Chapman is Chair of the International Women’s Forum – Atlantic Chapter and a recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

An eat-in-your-seat lunch will be provided. Please provide any dietary restrictions and allergies when you RSVP.