ANTIGONISH, NOVA SCOTIA – St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) in Antigonish, NS, and Irving Shipbuilding are pleased to announce a call for applications for the Irving Shipbuilding Chair in Arctic, Marine and Security Policy, an initiative that will lead to valuable research in international maritime security and oceans transport. 

The Irving Shipbuilding Chair in Arctic, Marine and Security Policy at StFX will be an integral part of the university’s new Institute of Government focused on public policy, governance and global affairs, and specifically designed to target undergraduate students.

In an effort to strengthen the marine industry, the Irving Shipbuilding Chair will primarily focus on Canada’s role in international maritime security as well as oceans transport, undertaking research within the field of Canadian Arctic, Marine and Security Policy in collaboration with regional, national, and international networks. The Chair will focus on Canada’s role on global marine securities issues, on Canada’s own maritime security concerns and will be influential in developing human resources policy knowledge in the Arctic Marine Industry. The Chair will advance Canada’s understanding of marine securities issues and will inform what knowledge, skills and capacities the Canadian workforce needs to address these challenges. 

“We are proud to partner with St Francis Xavier University to undertake this very important work,” said Kevin McCoy, President of Irving Shipbuilding. “Ensuring Canada has a vibrant marine industry, including in the Arctic, is of critical importance to the country.” 

“StFX is renowned for its research and collaborative efforts with leading business partners such as Irving Shipbuilding. We find it only fitting that we join forces to establish the Irving Shipbuilding Chair in Canadian Arctic, Marine and Security Policy,” says StFX President Dr. Kent MacDonald. “Through partnerships such as this, StFX will continue to be recognized for its unparalleled opportunities for research and teaching — opportunities rarely found at an undergraduate level.” 

Irving Shipbuilding’s $1 million contribution is pursuant to its Value Proposition obligation under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy, whereby Irving Shipbuilding is committed to spending 0.5% of contract revenues with the aim of creating a sustainable marine industry across Canada. This will amount to approximately $12M over the next 6 years. 

StFX will begin a national, open, merit based competition for the recruitment and selection process for the Chair. 

For more information on this announcement: 

MEDIA CONTACTS: 

Mary Keith 
Vice President, Communications 
J.D. Irving, Limited 
Work: (506) 632-5122 
Cell: (506) 650-8209 
keith.mary@jdirving.com 

Cindy MacKenzie 
Manager of Media Relations 
Saint Francis Xavier University 
Work: (902) 867-2401 
Cell: (902) 872-0612 
cmackenz@stfx.ca 

About St Francis Xavier University 

Consistently recognized as one of the best universities in Canada, StFX exceeds the needs of today’s undergraduates through providing the very best academic experience --outstanding teaching, exceptional hands-on research opportunities, global exchanges, all within Canada’s most vibrant and inspiring residential campus. For more, visit www.stfx.ca 

About Irving Shipbuilding Inc. 

Irving Shipbuilding Inc. is part of the J.D. Irving, Limited Group of companies and is in the business of building quality ships and repairing vessels. The company’s primary site is Halifax Shipyard, with four other locations in the Maritime Provinces. Irving Shipbuilding was selected in 2011 as Canada’s Combatant Shipbuilder under the merit-based National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy and is in the early stages of a 30-year military shipbuilding program. It is currently working on a number of significant projects for the Department of National Defence and recently successfully completed a nine-vessel program for the Canadian Coast Guard. Learn more at www.irvingshipbuilding.com 

-30-