Dear members and affiliates of the Federation,
As we approach 2025, we once again find ourselves at a critical juncture for our disciplines, and I want to emphasize the vital importance of unity as we work toward shaping a shared vision for the future of the Federation and all of its members.
This message may sound familiar, but the need has never been more pressing. As a community of students, faculty and administrators, we must rally to make our scholarship broadly recognized and valued. The challenges we face today have remained rather constant since the Federation's inception in 1938: funding shortages, the struggle of academic publications, and the perceived lack of value of an education in the humanities and social sciences. This is where you come in—your support is pivotal in helping us tackle these enduring challenges.
This next year, the Federation will focus on leveraging relationships with our existing and prospective government partners and advocating for humanities and social sciences research. Building on the contributions we have already made to shape the new capstone organization, we will take every opportunity to speak on your behalf and advocate for the value of your disciplines.
It will also be a landmark year, as Congress will take place at a college for the first time, providing a unique platform to collectively challenge traditional knowledge hierarchies in higher education. This is our moment to bridge gaps and demonstrate the broad array and significance of our fields.
Together, we need to examine our past and determine our future; we need a clear mission that will guide our decisions and actions. Over the next year, your input will chart the course toward a new strategic plan for the Federation and an improved Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences. All postsecondary institutions and scholarly associations have a role to play in underscoring the importance of humanities and social sciences in communities across Canada, and beyond.
Going forward, we will create opportunities for meaningful conversations with each of you. Let’s engage in active listening, sharpen our positioning, and collaboratively craft an inspiring strategic plan that will drive us forward so that the humanities and social sciences can thrive.
Your involvement is invaluable, and I hope you will join us in this effort.
Karine Morin
President and CEO
Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences