OTTAWA, May 13, 2016 - The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences stands with all Canadians in solidarity with the people of Fort McMurray during this difficult time following the wildfire that has forced so many from their homes and community.
“This tragedy has touched Canadians across the country and will undoubtedly have repercussions for months to come, as the people of Fort McMurray work to re-build their lives,” said Stephen J. Toope, President of the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences. “Our thoughts are with this community in these difficult times.”
With respect to the upcoming 2016 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, which will take place on campus from May 28 to June 3, all events and activities will proceed as planned. The Federation has worked closely with the University of Calgary to ensure this, taking into account the university’s ongoing commitments to shelter displaced Fort McMurray residents and fully respecting all Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) processes. Congress attendees can rest assured that all residence bookings for lodging during Congress will be accommodated, and additional detail is available in UCalgary’s UToday article “University of Calgary set to welcome Congress 2016 attendees in two weeks.”
“The theme of Congress 2016 is ‘energizing communities’,” noted Jean-Marc Mangin, Executive Director of the Federation. “It is the energy and resilience of Albertans and all their supporters across the country that will contribute to the rebuilding and revitalization of Fort McMurray and surrounding communities in the months ahead.”
As a diverse community of 91,000 researchers and graduate students across Canada that promotes research and teaching for the advancement of an inclusive, democratic and prosperous society, the Federation actively encourages its membership to make a difference—by making a donation and also by attending Congress, which brings significant economic benefits to the host university region.
The Federation asks its members to consider helping victims through financial donations to the Red Cross. This can be done by telephone by calling 1-800-418-1111 or online by visiting redcross.ca, where you will be directed to the Alberta Fires Emergency Appeal page. The Red Cross is requesting cash donations, not donations of food, clothing or personal items. The Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta have both announced that they will be matching donations to the Red Cross.
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About the Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences promotes research and teaching for the advancement of an inclusive, democratic and prosperous society. With a membership now comprising over 160 universities, colleges and scholarly associations, the Federation represents a diverse community of 91,000 researchers and graduate students across Canada. The Federation organizes Canada’s largest academic gathering, the Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, bringing together more than 8,000 participants each year. For more information about the Federation, visit www.ideas-idees.ca.
Media inquiries
Nicola Katz
Manager of Communications
Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
C: 613-282-3489
nkatz@ideas-idees.ca
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