Welcome to the JChair

Established through the Montreal-based Stephen Jarislowsky Foundation, Elinor Gill Ratcliffe, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Economic and Cultural Transformation focuses on research in the areas of global and local cultures, strategies for immigration integration and retention, diasporas, and demographic changes. Research of this nature will be vital in promoting sustainable long-term economic and cultural prosperity in Newfoundland and Labrador.


Research Fellowship Opportunites

Research Fellowships: Staring Summer/Fall 2021

The Department of Economics invites applications for Four (4) Research Fellowships positions, funded by SSHRC and SGS, for the Summer/Fall 2021 semester. The position will entail 15 hours per week of research support for Dr. Tony Fang, Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Cultural and Economic Transformation.

Full description available here: Research Fellowship Opportunities


In the News

  

Government of Canada launches Task Force to review the Employment Equity Act - July 14, 2021

The Liberal government announced today that it has convened a new task force to review the Employment Equity Act, which the government describes as "an important tool to promote fairness, equality and diversity in federally regulated workplaces."

Dr. Fang will be apart of the 13 member task force working to identify ways to make work environments more inclusive and representative.

Government Release: Government of Canada

News Article: cbc.ca


'Vast Depth': More Than $3 Million in Federal Funding to Propel Science and Research

Significant funding from the Government of Canada is ensuring Memorial researchers remain at the forefront of discovery and insightful studies.

On June 15, François-Philippe Champagne, minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced investments supporting Canadian innovators.

Full Article: 'Vast Depth'


International Labor and Global Talent Issues for Transnational Corporations in a New Era - A Call for Papers

At this time of unprecedented uncertainty, research regarding international labor mobility and global talent identification and development with respect to transnational corporations (TNCs) is more important than ever. We are calling on the academic and practitioner community to develop a better understanding of the international labor and talent issues and solve real-world problems from a variety of institutional settings. The deadline for the submission of abstracts is July 31, 2021. The Transnational Corporations Council of Studies (TNCCS) will hold a related conference on September 25, 2021.

Full Details: TNCCS Conference


Public Consultations for the Public Engagement Accelerator Fund Project

Funded by Memorial University Public Engagement Accelerator Fund, this joint project is being conducted by the Stephen Jarislowsky Chair at Memorial University and the Association for New Canadians to develop a better understanding of the integration needs of newcomers in the NL labour market.

                

Register Here: Public Consultation Sessions


Cheap homes and coastal views might draw remote workers to N.L. — but will it keep them? | CBC News

CBC cover photo

Newfoundland and Labrador is riding a COVID-induced remote working wave with a new ad campaign targeting condo-dwellers across Canada. But one economist says flashy marketing alone probably won't cut it.

Full Article: www.cbc.ca


Upcoming Event: National Immigration Centre (NIC) Members Meeting on Immigration Regionalization - April 21, 2021

Dr. Tony Fang has been invited to present as part of the panel session "Attracting and retaining immigrants beyond the gateways" at 1pm on April 21. Dr. Fang's presentation will address predominant questions relating to immigrant attraction and retention including "What informs the decisions immigrants make about where to settle?" and "What draws people to non-traditional locations and makes them more likely to stay long-term?".

Full Meeting Agenda: Spring 2021 Members Meeting Agenda

Background on Speakers: Speaker Biographies


“Cross Talk” on Growing NL's Population - February 4, 2021

On February 4, Dr. Fang was invited as a guest speaker on “Cross Talk”, a local radio podcast, to discuss the urgent climate of NL’s increasingly shrinking population and propose potential solutions geared at addressing these concerns. Dr. Fang indicated that improving immigration retention will be vital in resolving this ongoing crisis. He went on to explain that providing economic opportunities, family reunification and access to social networks are key in promoting immigration retention. According to Dr. Fang, NL's immigration retention rates are currently the lowest among the provinces in Canada.

Podcast: Cross Talk with Ramona Dearing: NL Population Crisis, Featuring Dr. Tony Fang


Interview with CTV News on the Social Experiences of Immigrants in NL - February 2021

“Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have a strong sense of belonging to their communities. It’s very hard to break into these tight social networks. For many newcomers, Newfoundlanders and Labradorians may be friendly but they may not be welcoming, especially for immigrants”
- Dr. Fang January 28, 2021

Article: For immigrants in N.L., 'friendly' doesn't always mean 'welcoming:' economist


Partnership with Transnational Corporations Council of Studies (TNCCS) - January 2021

The Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Economic and Cultural Transformation Program at Memorial University of Newfoundland built a partnership with the Transnational Corporations Council of Studies (TNCCS) to work together on issues related to transnational corporations, foreign direct investment, institutional innovation, and international development. To be specific, the Stephen Jarislowsky Chair and TNCCS could be:

  • Jointly developing the membership to meet the publisher's expectation;
  • Collaboratively working on the journal of Transnational Corporations Review (TNCR) to enhance the Journal brand and quality, including editing/reviewing the submissions of TNCR, and the promotions and marketing of the journal;
  • Jointly organizing the society’s international academic conferences and workshops.

Profit-sharing systems on productivity, especially during this pandemic - January 19, 2021

January 19, 2021. Dr. Fang was invited to a radio interview regarding “profit-sharing systems on productivity, especially during this pandemic,” on “This Morning“ by TBS eFM (101.3 MHz), the first all-English radio station in Seoul, South Korea, as the President Moon Jae-in of the country urged businesses thriving in the pandemic to share profits amid rising inequality.

Link: http://tbs.seoul.kr/cont/eFM/ThisMorning/introduction/introduction.do?programId=PG2060171E


Sharing Our Cultures - October 15, 2020

Dr. Fang was invited to the show. He shared his own experiences as a MUN graduate student and a professor in NL. He also shared his research findings on employers’ attitudes towards hiring newcomers
and international students, which is one of the key factors affecting their labour market performance.

Link: https://rogerstv.com/media?lid=237&rid=24&gid=591553


VOCM Debate on Minimum Wage Rates - August 21, 2019

Hosted by VOCM, a local radio station in St. John’s on August 21, 2019, Dr. Fang participated in a debate over $15 per hour minimum wages in NL as the government is conducting a provincial wide consultation among major stakeholders of the economy, weighing on the pros and cons of higher minimum wages.


Researcher of the month, Dr.Tony Fang - August 2019

Tony Fang is a full professor and the Stephen Jarislowsky Chair at Memorial University of Newfoundland, the J. Robert Beyster Faculty Fellow at Rutgers University, sits on a World Bank's Expert Advisory Committee on Migration and Development, and served as the President of the Chinese Economists Society (2012-13). Check out the following link to read the entire interview regarding his researches: https://www.mun.ca/hss/research/researcher_of_the_month.php


The Telegram - August 2019

The debate over $15/hour minimum wage ramps up in Newfoundland and Labrador: The discussion whether Newfoundland and Labrador should have a $15 an hour minimum wage is under discussion, check out the following link, which includes Dr.Fang’s interview: https://www.thetelegram.com/news/local/debate-over-15hour-minimum-wage-ramps-up-in-newfoundland-and-labrador-339314/


CBC April 17, 2019

“Do you support immigration as a way to grow the population?” Guest Host CBC “CrossTalk” with Don Mills and Ramona Dearing, https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/programs/crosstalk/immigration-1.5101772


Tony was an invited speaker and session chair at the Conference on “70 Years of Migration" and Interaction” organized by the Center for China and Globalization on July 13, 2019, Beijing, China, where he delivered a speech on “Hiring and Retaining Skilled Workers in Atlantic Canada”.


Dr. Fang gave a keynote address at the 10th Global Chinese Business Forum on July 9, 2019, in Kunshan, China. The title of the talk is: “Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Global Talent Policies,”.


On June 7, 2019, Dr. Fang delivered a keynote speech on “Global Talent Management Strategies in a New Era” at the 2019 President Forum of the Chinese Economists Society in Dalian, China.


On April 17, 2019, Tony was invited as a featured speaker at the Atlantic Immigration Summit in St. John’s, to discuss the important contributions of immigrants, refugees, temporary foreign workers, and international students towards the cultural and economic transformation in NL and Canada.


Parkinson, D. 2019, Mar. 23,2019. On The Rocks: Newfoundland's Reckoning. The Globe and Mail. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-newfoundlands-reckoning-will-the-province-crumble-under-its-debt/


McNeish, S. 2019, March 15, 2019. Attracting, hiring newcomers: who's making a difference in Atlantic Canada? The Telegram. https://www.thetelegram.com/in-depth/employment-after-immigration/attracting-hiring-newcomers-whos-making-a-difference-292167/


The Globe and Mail, Cover Story, March 2, 2019“On the rocks: Newfoundland's reckoning,” https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-newfoundlands-reckoning-will-the-province-crumble-under-its-debt/


Harron, J. 2019, Jan. 21. Recruitment and retention: Study to delve into factors affecting immigrants' employment. The Gazette. https://www.gazette.mun.ca/research/recruitment-and-retention/


VOCM. 2019, January 11. $2.27-Million Slated for Six Workforce Innovation Projects. VOCM. http://vocm.com/news/2-27-million-slated-for-six-workforce-innovation-projects/


Advanced Education, Skills and Labour. 2019, January 11. New Projects through Workforce Innovation Centre to Support Rural Residents, Women, Newcomers. Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. https://www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2019/aesl/0111n01.aspx


On October 24, 2018. Dr. Fang was invited to participate in the Roundtable as Visiting Member. The Roundtable on Immigration will serve as a forum for discussion and collaboration as members combine efforts to find innovative ways to attract and retain more newcomers.


On October 18, 2018, Tony offered a keynote speech at the AIPP reference group meeting entitled “Recruitment and Retention of Newcomers: The Role of Employers”, at The ALT Hotel, in St. John’s.


Smeillie, S. 2018, August 26. Motion from N.L. Conservatives to axe birthright citizenship against Canadian values, says professor. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/conservative-birthright-citizenship-1.4799492


Canadian Press. 2018, July 4. Both Refugee Families Sponsored By Lewisporte, Nfld. Have Left. Huffington Post. https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2018/07/04/lewisporte-refugee-families_a_23474694/


Canadian Press. 2018, July 4. Second refugee family leaves small Newfoundland town that sponsored them. The Telegram. http://www.thetelegram.com/news/regional/second-refugee-family-leaves-small-newfoundland-town-that-sponsored-them-223629/


Pidoux, A. 2018, May 4. Pour rester à Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador, il fait une job. Le Gaboteur. https://www.gaboteur.ca/le-gaboteur-apercu-7-mai-2018/


VOCM. 2018, April 28. MUN Researches Refugee Impressions. VOCM. http://vocm.com/news/mun-researches-refugee-impressions/


Giwam, S. 2018, April 19. Newfoundland needs immigrants and anti-racism action now. National Post. http://nationalpost.com/news/canada/newfoundland-needs-immigrants-and-anti-racism-action-now


Gillis, M. 2018, April 4. Warm welcome not enough to keep refugees in N.L. CBC. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/mun-report-refugee-retention-1.4604320


Labrador Morning. 2018, March 15. Water woes and trash troubles in Labrador. CBC. http://www.cbc.ca/listen/shows/labrador-morning/episode/15528144


Smellie, S. 2018, Jan. 28. Mind the gap: St. John's wage inequality worst in Atlantic Canada. CBC. http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/st-johns-highest-wage-inequality-atlantic-canada-1.4507110


Cohoe, R. 2017, May 4. Ready and able. Temporary foreign workers can help solve labour gap in NL: report. Gazette.
https://gazette.mun.ca/research/ready-and-able/


Telegram. 2017, May 2. Harris Centre report makes case for more temporary foreign workers in rural and remote N.L. Telegram.
http://www.thetelegram.com/news/local/2017/5/2/harris-centre-report-makes-case-for-more-temporary-foreign-worke.html


VOCM. 2017, May 2. Temporary foreign workers could help mitigate labour shortages: Study. VOCM.
http://vocm.com/news/temporary-foreign-workers-could-help-mitigate-labour-shortages-study/


Fang, T. and D. Brake. 2017, April. 13. Welcoming more immigrants to N.L. Independent.
http://theindependent.ca/2017/04/13/welcoming-more-immigrants-to-n-l/


CBC On The Go. 2017, Mar. 29. PhDs On The Go - Opeyemi Jaunty-Aidamendor. CBC Radio.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/programs/onthego/phds-on-the-go-opeyemi-jaunty-aidamendor-1.4050122


Fitzpatrick, A. 2017, Mar. 24. Employment central to upping N.L. immigration numbers. Telegram. http://www.thetelegram.com/business/2017/3/24/employment-central-to-upping-n-l--immigration-numbers.html


CBC Crosstalk. 2017, Mar. 14. Will women in NL ever see pay equity? CBC Radio.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/programs/crosstalk/will-women-in-this-province-ever-see-pay-equity-1.4024436


MacEachern, D. 2017, Feb. 14. Immigration key to N.L.'s economic growth, says MUN prof. CBC.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/tony-fang-memorial-university-immigrants-1.3980612


Brake, D., and T. Fang. 2017, Feb. 13. Canada is growing. Gazette.
https://gazette.mun.ca/research/canada-is-growing/


Fang, T. and D. Brake. 2017, Feb. 4. Letter: Trump’s action creates an opportunity for N.L. Telegram.
http://www.thetelegram.com/opinion/letter-to-the-editor/2017/2/4/letter--trump_s-action-creates-an-opportunity-for-n-l-.html


VOCM. 2017, Feb. 1. Immigration Is Golden Opportunity For NL, Says MUN Professor. VOCM.
http://vocm.com/news/immigration-is-golden-opportunity-for-nl-says-mun-professor/


Brake, D., and T. Fang. 2017, Jan. 31. Op-ed: Trump’s anti-immigration orders opportunity for N.L. and Canada. Gazette.
https://gazette.mun.ca/campus-and-community/op-ed-drs-tony-fang-and-david-brake/


Webinar for International Students

Dr. Tony Fang and Eduardo Silva will be hosting a webinar to help international students find opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador. The meeting will be held from 3:00pm to 4:00pm on Monday, November 30th. You can join the meeting here, or with meeting number 132 923 7059 and password YTcmRU3Cf96.


Sharing Our Cultures

Thank you to Sharing Our Cultures, who hosted Dr. Fang on their show. Sharing Our Cultures is an organization dedicated to fostering belonging and acceptance among all children. Watch the interview on Sharing Our Cultures' YouTube channel!


Main Street Recovery Project

The Jarislowsky Chair has partnered with the St. John's Board of Trade on the Main Street Recovery Project, which provides small businesses with the resources they need to adapt and rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Jarislowsky Chair will be performing a new research project on the impacts of COVID-19 on business operations, workplace practices and alternative work arrangements. Find support and practices to improve safety, mental health, marketing, online commerce, supply chains, and recruitment here!


Telegram Article

Dr. Tony Fang discusses the possible impacts of a second wave of COVID-19 in Atlantic Canada in an article from The Telegram. Read here.


2020 Atlantic Summit

Thank you to the PPF for organizing the 2020 Atlantic Summit! Find relevant info here. We look forward to future events!


CBC Article

Dr. Fang recently discussed the benefits of a Chinese stimulus plan with the CBC. Read the article here.


Student Support Amidst Pandemic

These are strange and confusing times, especially for our students living on campus. For Memorial professors and staff, students are the priority; read Sumaiya Akter's experience and learn about funding and employment opportunities for students in the MUN Gazette!


Student Research Workshop

The Jarisloswky Chair research team is holding a workshop for international students on Friday, March 27th from 5:00pm-7:00pm. This workshop is open to all and provides an opportunity for international students to discuss their post-graduation plans and voice their opinions on various employment and immigration issues. The workshop will be held in the Bruneau Center, room IIC2010B. Free pizza will be provided, and 2 hours of volunteer time will be counted. Register for free here!


Globe and Mail Interview

On February 23rd, the Globe and Mail interviewed Dr. Tony Fang on the growing demographic crisis in Newfoundland and Labrador. Read it here


Conference Report

Following November's conference on Productivity, Innovation & Entrepeneurship: The Role of Immigration and Workforce Diversity, the Stephen Jarislowsky Chair has prepared a report detailing the two days of presentation and discussion. Read it here.


Employer Consultation

The Stephen Jarislowsky Chair collaborated with the Public Policy Forum to convene an employer consultation on February 7. The purpose of the consultation was to provide a robust understanding of employer, settlement agency, community and industry group perspectives on current labour market challenges. The consultation was held online due to weather circumstances. Thanks to all those who participated and provided valuable insight and perspective!


Navigating Party Discipline

The Stephen Jarislowsky Chair thanks the Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould, MP, the Hon. Jane Philpott, former MP, and everyone who participated in Navigating Party Discipline for broadening the discussion on democracy in Canada.

MUN faculty members pose with Members of Parliament


Conference Summary

The Jarislowksy Chair would like to thank everyone involved in "Productivity, Innovation & Entrepreneurship: The Role of Immigration and Workforce Diversity" for opening many valuable discussions going forward! The two keynote speeches from Jennifer Hunt and Arthur Sweetman brought insight and awareness to questions such as the effects of enclaves in society, the desirability of diversified skillsets in immigrants, the retention of newcomers, and immigration's possible benefits to international trade. This curiosity and enthusiasm was echoed by speakers and audience members alike all throughout the two-day conference.

jConference

[Select to view the album for the conference.]


Conference on November 25th

Hear keynote speeches from Jennifer Hunt and Arthur Sweetman in "Productivity, Innovation & Entrepeneruship: The Role of Immigration and Workforce Diversity," a conference hosted by the Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Cultural and Economic Transformation. The event will be held on November 25th from 8:30am to 11:30am in the Main Auditorium of the MUN Faculty of Medicine (H2851). Refreshments will be provided! Registration is free!

Conference Poster

Events