Scientists at the University of Prince Edward Island and Memorial University of Newfoundland are partnering with industry partner EWOS/Cargill to develop new therapeutic diets for farmed Atlantic salmon. The initiative could lead to healthier fish and significant savings for the Canadian aquaculture industry.

The $4.5 million Integrated pathogen management of co-infection in Atlantic salmon project was announced by Parliamentary Secretary for Science, Mr. Terry Beech. It is one of six national research collaborations awarded through Genome Canada’s Genomic Applications Partnership Program (GAPP).

The project’s scientific team consists of co-leads Dr. Mark Fast, associate professor in Fish Health at UPEI’s Atlantic Veterinary College, Dr. Matthew Rise, Professor in the Department of Ocean Sciences, Faculty of Science at Memorial, and Dr. Richard Taylor, senior research scientist at Cargill Innovation Center.

The project could have a significant impact on aquaculture in Atlantic Canada and across the country, said Dr. Fast.  “This research holds the promise of developing an integrated pathogen management system that could reduce fish losses by as much as 20% overall, and up to 50% for some diseases.”

“When there is an outbreak, it isn’t uncommon for fish to be infected simultaneously with multiple pathogens such as sea lice, bacteria and viruses. This can result in severe economic losses for aquaculture farmers,” said Dr. Taylor.

“Our functional genomics research will identify molecular mechanisms involved in salmon responses to co-infections.  This will lead to the development of better feeds for improved treatments to combat co-infections,” explained Dr. Rise.

Relatively little research has been conducted on co-infections in salmon because it requires specialized know-how and a complex infrastructure of test facilities. Dr. Taylor noted that co-infection feeds are novel to the salmon industry and a high priority for EWOS/Cargill. “The expertise of the research team, along with the collaboration of EWOS/Cargill, Memorial and UPEI are enabling this research to move forward.”

It is estimated that the use of therapeutic feeds could save the Canadian aquaculture industry up to $57 million annually, while decreasing the use of chemical treatments and minimizing the risk of transmitting pathogens to wild salmon.

Project  funding for Integrated pathogen management of co-infection in Atlantic salmon is provided by the Government of Canada via Genome Canada at $1.5 million; EWOS/Cargill at $2.2 million; the Research & Development Corporation of Newfoundland & Labrador (RDC) at $500,000; Mitacs at $90,000; UPEI at $101,000; and Memorial at $51,000.

The project builds on research conducted by the team that focuses on individual pathogens in farmed Atlantic salmon.  This earlier project, which is ongoing, is also funded through Genome Canada’s GAPP program. Both projects are managed by Genome Atlantic.

“Genomics technologies are a transformative suite of tools that can help us find solutions in many other sectors,” says Steve Armstrong, President and CEO of Genome Atlantic. “We are pleased to continue working with our industry and academic partners to advance important developments that benefit the aquaculture industry here in Atlantic Canada and nationally.”

Partner Quotes

“Understanding and managing the factors impacting fish health is critical to the aquaculture industry. Through innovative R&D and collaboration between academic researchers and industry, the application of genomics in this project has the potential to make significant advancements in the salmon industry and will reduce the rate of infection and strengthen competitiveness in the seafood market.”
Mark Ploughman, Acting CEO, the Research & Development Corporation

“Our partnership with Professor Rise at Memorial University and EWOS Innovation exemplifies the shared commitment Mitacs and Genome Canada have in supporting Canada’s next generation of innovators. Their research in genomics plays an important role in addressing multi-sector challenges while having a positive impact on the economy.”
Dr. Alejandro Adem, CEO and Scientific Director of Mitacs

Genome Atlantic is a not-for-profit corporation with a mission to help Atlantic Canada reap the economic and social benefits of genomics and other ‘omics technologies. Working with a broad range of partners, Genome Atlantic helps companies, genomics researchers and others collaborate around strategic R&D initiatives that create sustainable improvements in agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries, energy, the environment, forestry, human health and mining. Genome Atlantic has helped to enabled more than $87 million in genomics R&D since its inception in 2000. 

EWOS is a leading supplier of feed and nutrition for the international aquaculture industry. The company has produced fish feed since 1984 and operates in four of the world’s major salmon farming regions: Norway, Chile, Canada, and Scotland. EWOS continually invests in research and development and is known as a global innovator in aquaculture. EWOS was recently acquired by Cargill, a multi-national company that provides food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services. With more than 150,000 employees in 70 countries, Cargill is committed to feeding the world in a responsible way, reducing environmental impact and improving communities.

Research & Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador (RDC) is a provincial Crown corporation responsible for improving Newfoundland and Labrador’s research and development performance. RDC works with research and development stakeholders including business, academia and government agencies and departments to make strategic investments in highly qualified people, R&D infrastructure and innovative research. Since 2009, RDC has invested $129 million into more than 725 projects and has leveraged over $325 million from other investment partners.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

The Aboriginal peoples of Prince Edward Island were honoured today for their collective contributions to the University of Prince Edward Island at the seventeenth annual Recognition of Founders Ceremony. The ceremony is an occasion to honour the many contributions, commitments, and sacrifices that have brought higher education in PEI to where it is today. A goal is to introduce students to UPEI's history and instill in them the belief that they are now a part of it.

“This is a special day for the University,” said Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor of UPEI. “Today we move from honouring individuals for their contributions, to recognizing a community—a great community. Today, we recognize our Indigenous people and the role they played in building UPEI.”

UPEI’s history features many intersections with members of First Nations communities, and in particular the Mi’kmaq. Beginning with Chief John J. Sark who earned a post-secondary education at SDU and was PEI’s first Mi’kmaw teacher, to the more recent creation of the Mawi’omi Centre, the University has relied on its connections with Aboriginal peoples to advance its educational mission in the province, region, country, and around the world.

Today’s event began with a blessing, smudging ceremony, and song by Mi’kmaw Elder Judy Clark, president of the Aboriginal Women’s Association of Prince Edward Island. The Recognition of Founders citation was read by UPEI student Payton Jadis, co-president of the Aboriginal Student Association.
“I have long believed towns, cities, and provinces find their identity in the diversity of their people,” said Brian Francis, Chief of the Abegweit First Nation. “This honour not only recognizes the past, but along with the President’s circle, it looks to the continuing influence of aboriginal people on campus. I am proud of what we have accomplished. I hope we continue to recognize the role of Indigenous people.”

“It’s a cliché to say that youth are our future, but it is so,” said Matilda Ramjattan, Chief of Lennox Island First Nation. “These fine people—our women and men—are seeing the value of higher education. I want to thank UPEI—its president, faculty, staff, and students—for stepping up its game. We affirm your peace and friendship.”

“We were always told ‘an educated Indian is a dangerous Indian,’” said Lisa Cooper, Chief and President of the Native Council of Prince Edward Island. Chief Cooper graduated from UPEI with a Master of Education in Indigenous Studies in 2012. “Sandy [Dr. Sandy McAuley] and Fiona [Dr. Fiona Walton] helped me find my voice. I realized when I got into Indigenous studies that I’m not dangerous—I’m informed. I’m empowered. And now, I’m a leader. You change the life of one person, you change the life of a family.”

Some highlights of the history of Indigenous people and initiatives at the University of Prince Edward Island:

•  John J. Sark graduates from SDU, becoming a revered teacher and leader in the Lennox Island First Nation.
• John Joe Sark is the first Island Mi'kmaw graduate of UPEI in 1979 and is awarded an honorary degree in 2005.
• Beginning in 2006, UPEI partners with Nunavut Department of Education, Nunavut Arctic College on a three-year Master of Education in Leadership in Learning program for educators/educational leaders—it was the first graduate degree program offered in Nunavut.
• In 2007 Jukeepa Hainnu receives her Master of Education degree, becoming the first Inuit woman on Baffin Island to get this degree.
• In 2008 UPEI offers a course in the Mi’kmaw language taught by Nellie Wysote, who taught the language to school children on Lennox Island.
• Faculty of Education begins offering a Bachelor of Education with Specialization in Indigenous Education.
• The first Cultural Connections festival is held in March 2008, presented by Native Council of PEI and UPEI First Nations, Inuit and Métis Student Group.
• UPEI and the Aboriginal Student Association establish the Mawi’omi Aboriginal Student Centre in January 2009.
• UPEI dedicates hand-carved bench outside Cass Building to the “Mi’kmaq of Epekwitk who have been here for millennia.”
• The first John J. Sark Memorial Scholarships are awarded in 2010 and the J. Elmer & Elise Hynes Aboriginal Student Achievement Awards are established in 2015.
• In October 2015, UPEI holds its ninth annual Pow Wow.
• The Government of PEI announces that a Truth and Reconciliation Education Day will be held at UPEI on December 5, 2016 for public school children from grade 5 to 12.

Today’s Recognition of Founders Ceremony allowed UPEI to recognize the many members of the Aboriginal community who have contributed to the University in the past while the talking circle offered an opportunity for Indigenous leaders to guide and provide input for the journey forward. To mark the end of the event, Dion Bernard sang the Eagle Song, a Mi’kmaw song often sung as a welcome. Bernard, a UPEI student and co-president of the Aboriginal Student Association, explained that it was fitting to sing this for the closing since today’s ceremony was about welcoming future discussion and collaboration.

Friday night is going to be rockin’ at the UPEI Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre and MacLauchlan Arena! The UPEI Women’s and Men’s Basketball teams have their home opening night, the Men’s Hockey team is on the ice, and the evening will be capped off with a special guest appearance of the award-winning PEI band, Paper Lions!

Panther Basketball Opening Night features a pre-game light show and player introduction in the gymnasium at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. The women hit the court at 6:00 pm against St. Francis Xavier University. The men take on St. FX at 8 pm. The first 500 fans will receive Courtside Day T-shirts, and a chance to win great prizes!

The UPEI Men’s Hockey team plays Saint Mary’s University at 7 pm in MacLauchlan Arena.

Stick around after all the games for a meet-and-greet with the men’s and women’s basketball teams, the men’s hockey team… and the Paper Lions live! Join us for an after-party at the Wave, for those 19 and over. Remember to “Keep it Social!”

It’s not too late to purchase your Panther Package, the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island! Your $75 season ticket gets you into every home Panther home game, in every sport (except Men’s Hockey). Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

The UPEI Panthers are proud to partner with Courtside Sneakers and the Keep it Social campaign.

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes two student-athletes for their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. Congratulations to Sarah Sear (Women’s Field Hockey) and Matt Mahalak (Men’s Hockey), the UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the week for October 24-30!

Sarah Sear is a second-year forward from Charlottetown on the UPEI Women’s Field Hockey team. The Panthers had a successful weekend at the Atlantic University Field Hockey Championship(AUFH). The Panthers beat St. Mary’s University 2-0, Acadia University 9-0, and the University of New Brunswick 3-0, but lost a close match to Dalhousie University in the championship game. UPEI lost 3-2 in an overtime shootout. Sear was key in all games, scoring an impressive 8 goals for the Panthers. She was also selected an AUFH all-star.

Matt Mahalak is the goalie on the Men’s Hockey team, and a third-year student in UPEI’s School of Business. Mahalak made 36 saves on 38 shots against St. Francis Xavier University (the Panthers lost, 2-1) and shut out Dalhousie University in a 1-0 win over the weekend. “Matty has been very solid for us all year,” said Coach Forbes MacPherson. “Although we out-shot our opponents, Matty made big saves in big moments to secure the win against Dal and gave us a chance against StFX.”

It’s not too late to purchase your Panther Package, the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island! Your $75 season ticket gets you into every home Panther home game, in every sport (except Men’s Hockey). Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

Mike Conway, a Master of Arts in Island Studies candidate and a creative writing student of Dr. Richard Lemm, will launch his first book, Home Plate, Blue Helmet: From Charlottetown to the Holy Land and Back, Thursday, November 3, at 7 pm at the Murphy Community Centre, 200 Richmond Street in Charlottetown. The new book, published by Acorn Press, is a celebration of Charlottetown's historic north and east end neighbourhoods and its colourful characters, hard-working families, and close-knit friendships. Conway’s stories are a living history, partly eclipsed by social change, mostly enhanced by heritage movements, but with a strong sense of tradition and belonging.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

At November’s Island Studies Lecture, Dr. Jean Mitchell will share “Stories of Weathering Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu: Leaf-houses, Flying Foxes, and Body Bags.” The lecture is Tuesday, November 15, at 7 pm in the SDU Main Building Faculty Lounge on the UPEI campus.

With winds up to 300 kilometers per hour, Cyclone Pam was the largest cyclone to make landfall in the South Pacific islands since recordkeeping began. It struck the island of Vanuatu on March 13, 2015, leaving in its wake enormous losses of infrastructure, housing, animals, and food gardens. But why did so few islanders die during the cyclone and its aftermath? Drawing on recent interviews with islanders from the southern islands of Erromango and Tanna, which were literally in the eye of the storm, this presentation recounts stories about the cyclone and its aftermath. How social relationships, the gift/kastom economies, local knowledge, and the ways in which nature and culture are entangled in Vanuatu offer powerful insights into how to survive a cyclone.

Dr. Mitchell, an associate professor of Anthropology at UPEI, has been working in Vanuatu for 20 years and has conducted research in Kiribati and Solomon Islands. In Vanuatu, she started the Young People's Project at the Vanuatu Cultural Centre. Her research interests include post-colonialism, youth, gender, health and urbanization. She has co-edited several volumes of essays on L.M. Montgomery and has been researching the Presbyterian Missionary history that connects Vanuatu and Prince Edward Island. She has, together with Vanuatu Cultural Centre, recently started a project on local knowledge, youth and the ecologies of gardens in Tanna and Erromango.

Admission to the lecture is free. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Watch for details for another lecture about islands—near and far—December 6.

For more information, please contact Laurie at iis@upei.ca or 902-894-2881.

A busy weekend homestand for the Panthers kicks off Friday evening in UPEI MacLauchlan Arena and Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. Come cheer on your Panthers, and cap off the evening with a performance by PEI’s award-winning Paper Lions!

The UPEI Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams have their home-opening games Friday night in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre gymnasium. The women play Saint Francis Xavier University. Tip-off is 6:00 pm.

“The team has been practicing hard for the past six weeks and is eager to begin AUS league play this Friday,” said coach Greg Gould. “The team looks forward to a large crowd cheering them on against Saint Francis Xavier.”

Stick around after the women’s game to watch the men take on St. FX at 8:00 pm.

“We are looking forward to our AUS regular season openers here at home this weekend against the much improved Saint Francis Xavier X-Men,” said coach Tim Kendrick. “Both of these games will be very tough challenges for us, and we will need to be at our best if we hope to come away with a win.”

The first 500 fans in the door for opening night will receive Courtside Panther Day T-shirts.

Just across the concourse in the MacLauchlan Arena, the UPEI Men’s Hockey team takes on Saint Mary’s University at 7:00 pm.

“This is a big weekend for our team,” said coach Forbes MacPherson. “We finish a four-game homestand before heading back out on the road. It is very difficult to win on the road in this league, so we have to take advantage of home ice this weekend. It will also be our first chance to look at Saint Mary's and Acadia. We are looking forward to two good hockey games!”

After the Friday night games are finished, stay for a special performance by Paper Lions!

The UPEI Women’s Hockey team kicks off another busy day Saturday with a game against St. FX.

“The Panthers are looking forward to meeting up with the X-Women this coming Saturday,” said coach Bruce Donaldson. “The X-Women lead the league in goals-per-game with four, while the Panthers are third in the conference with 1.93 goals-against-per-game. The X-Women are very talented up front, so we will need to play a strong defensive game and look to take advantage of any scoring opportunities that come our way.”

The Men’s Hockey team caps off the weekend with an 8:00 pm game against Acadia University on Saturday. The Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams match up with St. FX again Saturday. The women’s game starts at 6:00 pm; the men have an 8:00 pm start.

It’s not too late to purchase your Panther Package, the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island! Your $75 season ticket gets you into every Panther home game, in every sport (except Men’s Hockey). Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

The University of Prince Edward Island and the University of Prince Edward Island Faculty Association (UPEIFA) are pleased to announce that a tentative agreement has been reached.

The University and the UPEIFA, Bargaining Unit #1 representing faculty members, librarians, sessional instructors, and clinical nursing instructors have reached a tentative agreement for a four-year collective agreement from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2020. The University and the UPEIFA have been working very hard over the last nine months to reach an agreement. The tentative deal was reached at a recent meeting of Dr. Nola Etkin, President of the UPEI Faculty Association, Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President of the University of Prince Edward Island, and their respective chief negotiators, Dr. Sharon Myers and Mr. Brian Johnston.

The Board of Governors and UPEIFA will each meet with their members over the next week to discuss the tentative agreement.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students to reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

The University of Prince Edward Island is building on its reputation as one of Canada’s top undergraduate institutions by focusing on international student recruitment as a top priority. According to the Canadian Bureau of International Education, UPEI has led all Canadian universities in international student growth since 2008. One in five UPEI students now comes from outside of Canada. Now, with competition to attract international students increasing around the world, UPEI is upping its recruitment efforts in key international markets, and working to make it easier for international students to stay and work here after they graduate.

Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), together with the Honourable Richard Brown, Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning, today announced government support for UPEI’s international student attraction and retention efforts. ACOA is providing $493,631 under its Business Development Program and the Province of PEI is providing $52,790, through the Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning to assist PEI’s post-secondary institutions in their student attraction and retention efforts.

This assistance from the federal and provincial governments will help the University of Prince Edward Island to attract foreign students through targeted advertising and participation in international education fairs. The assistance will also enable the university to focus on helping foreign students integrate into Canadian academic life by improving language and other study skills, and by creating a new international student liaison position to assist students during their study and help them integrate into PEI’s workforce after graduation. This liaison person will also work with students at Holland College and College Acadie on a part-time basis.

The attraction and retention of skilled and educated immigrants is a key component of the Atlantic Growth Strategy, a collaborative approach to building a stronger economy in Atlantic Canada. Immigration is key to building strong Atlantic communities and can play a significant role in meeting skill shortages that are holding back economic development across the region.

Quotes

“I applaud the University of Prince Edward Island for playing such a key role in our economy, and for taking a progressive view towards growth. By attracting students from over 70 countries around the world, UPEI has already shown strong leadership in this area. I am especially pleased to see the renewed focus on integrating these bright young minds into our workforce, which can only boost our economy over the long term."  - Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown

“International students bring diversity to our Island classrooms and contribute to our province’s overall economic growth and long-term sustainability. Adding new cultural lenses to classroom discussions heightens the overall student experience at our post-secondary institutions and encourages respectful dialogue and critical thinking.”  - The Honourable Richard Brown, Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning

"UPEI has been extremely successful in attracting students from around the world. Not only does this help us overcome challenging regional demographics and create positive impact on the economy, but this important diversity adds so much in terms of cultural exchange and learnings among all of our students. We thank the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning for supporting our strategic efforts to recruit in new areas and to retain international students in our region upon graduation."   - Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor, UPEI

The Island’s food system will be the topic of a public symposium to be held at UPEI’s Duffy Science Centre Amphitheatre, Room 135, on Monday, November 14, beginning at 7:00 pm. In particular, the discussion will focus on a move toward a more sustainable agriculture, with a stronger emphasis on local food and food security.

This event is one of a regular series of public symposia sponsored by UPEI’s Institute of Island Studies, in conjunction with UPEI Research Services.

The main speaker will be distinguished author and public policy specialist Dr. Mark Lapping, long associated with the Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine. Dr. Lapping has held many academic leadership posts, including that as founding dean of the prestigious School of Rural Planning and Development at the University of Guelph. Throughout his career, he has maintained a strong interest in land issues in Prince Edward Island and has published several papers and studies on the topic.

In recent years, Dr. Lapping has focused his work on food systems and has written extensively on the subject. He was the leader of an ambitious undertaking at the Muskie School, which developed a food plan and strategy for the state of Maine.

“To most people,” said Dr. Lapping, “food is about growing and consuming food. But a food system is a large set of processes, and it is critical to take a wider, systems perspective. Only then might we have a more robust understanding of the ways by which a sustainable agriculture can become part of a larger process of change toward a more nutritious and just life for individuals, families, and communities.”

Responding to Dr. Lapping’s talk will be a panel comprised of two Island farmers and a researcher in public health nutrition. Barry Cudmore, of Brackley Beach, farms seed potatoes, soy beans, and grains.  A Nuffield Scholar and member of the Atlantic Agriculture Hall of Fame, he is a proponent of seeking farm-sustainability in moving from commodities to branded products, and reconnecting consumers with producers.

Mark Bernard and his wife Sally operate Barnyard Organics in Freetown. As the fourth generation Bernard on this family farm, Mark has moved away from potato production. The objective of Barnyard Organics is “to bring the farm back to its original state as a self-sustaining mixed farm, using traditional methods combined with some of the efficient technologies of our time.”

The third Panelist is Dr. Colleen Walton, Associate Professor in Applied Human Sciences at UPEI. She has more than 20 years of working experience within the Island’s food system. Her research interests lie in the area of building capacity among groups and individuals toward strengthened livelihoods and greater household food security.

Members of the public are cordially invited to attend. Admission is free. Following the presentations, there will be ample time for discussion and questions from the floor.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.