Message from the Co-chairs
As the IR-PLC continues to expand its membership, it has become an established and well-recognized community for practitioners in the area of International Relations within Canadian higher education. With over 500 members across 10 provinces and one territory, we continue to centre our activities, knowledge sharing and dialogues around the needs of this diverse group of professionals. The work of the IR-PLC is made possible through the support of CBIE and the talented group of steering committee members that step forward year after year.
The landscape of international education in Canada is evolving rapidly and intentional global engagement and partnerships are becoming increasingly critical to institutional strategic plans. As we look to 2025, we are excited to shape and support the further development of IR work and its practitioners from coast to coast.
Purpose
The mandate of the IR-PLC is to create a space where International Relations and Partnership Officers in CBIE member institutions can share experiences with their colleagues across Canada and around the world, exchange and access information, opportunities and good practices, link into the wider international relations community and work together to champion international collaboration and advance our global engagement agendas.
Mission
The IR-PLC helps IR professionals in Canadian institutions to connect with each other and to our global community of practitioners, to engage on matters of concern and interest within our sector, and to increase our effectiveness in linking our institutions with the world.
The IR-PLC group welcomes members from all levels of the international relations field and who hold diverse responsibilities within IR from across the country. Members are encouraged to actively contribute to the group’s rich discussions.
Objectives
The IR-PLC creates a space for discussion, learning, and collaboration for International Relations Officers and others whose work focuses on supporting and promoting international collaborations.
The goal of the IR-PLC is to foster a community of practitioners, which includes:
- Exchanging best practices across institutions;
- Building partnerships with key stakeholders locally, nationally and internationally;
- Promoting discussion and exchange of ideas on key issues impacting the sector;
- Providing professional development and leadership opportunities through the Steering Committee;
- Advancing the field of International Relations in Canada, particularly with regard to diversity, inclusion, and equity; and
- Advocating for issues of shared concern.
Steering Committee
Natasha
Natasha Fernandez
Manager,
Global Engagement and Partnerships,
University of Guelph
Dan
Dan Fredrick
Director,
Global Engagement,
University of Alberta
Sherilyn
Sherilyn Acorn
International Liaison Officer and Manager of Study Abroad and International Partnerships,
University of Prince Edward Island
Recep
Recep Demir
Manager,
Global Partnerships,
York University
Kimmy
Kimmy Do
Manager,
Global Initiatives,
Humber College
Kennis
Kennis Fung
International Partnership Officer,
Asia & Oceania,
University of Manitoba
Emily
Emily MacDougall
Director,
Global Partnerships,
University of British Columbia
Ruth
Ruth Wax
Manager,
Education Abroad,
International Centre for Students,
University of Victoria
Overview of Membership
510 Members
From 423 members in 2023, the IR-PLC membership has steadily increased, with 83 new members joining in the past year.
Members by Province/Territory
Events & Initiatives
hosted webinars
hosted webinars
welcomed guest speakers
welcomed guest speakers from senior leadership positions, industry and academia
hosted in-person sessions
hosted in-person sessions during CBIE2023, the Western and Ontario Regional Meetings
Special Thanks
Thank you to CBIE, the IR-PLC Steering Committee, our members and all of our collaborators for another successful and engaging year!
