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.
First gathering with other Stephen Jarislowsky Chairs across the country in Montreal
June 11, 2024
Employment Equity Report Review Series
Dr. Tony Fang was invited to present on "Building a Fair, Equitable, and Inclusive Workplace at Memorial University" to the Senior Leadership Committee (SLC).
October 24: 10 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Session with Senior Leadership Committee (SLC)
Dr. Tony Fang was invited by the Office of Vice-Provost - Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism (EDI-AR) to make a series of presentations to the university community on the Employment Equity Report Review conducted by the federal EEA task force for which he served as a member.
June 26: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Session with Department of Human Resources
October 1: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. Session with Union Locals (MUNFA, CUPE, NAPE, TAUMUN)
October 3: 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. Session with Faculty Relation
October 8: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Public Session open to University Community
A Transformative Framework to Achieve and Sustain Employment Equity - Report of the Employment Equity Act Review Task Force
In the News
Dr. Tony Fang was on CBC The Signal with Adam Walsh: "Change to Canada's Immigration Rules." - November 7, 2024
https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-89-thesignal
Dr. Tony Fang published an Op-Ed in the Telegram: " The Province Needs More International Students." -November 1, 2024
Dr. Tony Fang commented on the impact of new TFW regulations on Newfoundland and labrador.
Independent: Changes to temporary foreign worker program will hurt workers and province, experts say. Migrant workers don’t need to be shown the door, they need better protections. - September 7, 2024
CBC St. John’s Morning Show: How changes to temporary foreign workers laws will affect this province - August 29, 2024
VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly:How do new TFW regulations will directly impact our province, in the immediate and long term? - August 29, 2024
https://vocm.com/2019/08/01/open-line-with-paddy-daly/
The Signal with Adam Walsh: COVID-19's impact on today's economy - April 25, 2024
Panelled with Rhonda Tulk-Lane, the new CEO for the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, Ivy Hanley, the owner of the Urban Market 1919, and Sean Stack, the Treasurer of the Business Association of NL, Dr. Fang announced the findings from an ACOA-funded research project on the COVID's impact on the economy of today and what it means for the economy of tomorrow.
https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-89-the-signal/clip/16058864-covid-19s-impact-todays-economy
Mark Carney, the former Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, discusses Canada's Economic outlook -April 22, 2024
A Time to Build: Economic Lookahead Dinner in Toronto
Dr. Tony Fang asked the first question after Mark's presentation: "Economists are good at explaining economic phenomena, not at predicting the future. In times of crisis and change, how can policy-makers and economic decision-makers build public confidence in the economy and the future?"
Mark responded with three points: 1. Show leadership, 2. Face challenges squarely, 3. Develop solid plans.
Just published! April 17, 2024
"Macroeconomic Impacts of Immigration in the Canadian Atlantic Region: An Empirical Analysis Using the FOCUS Model"
Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies
We simulate the impact of an increase in immigration into the Atlantic Provinces based on the FOCUS macro-econometric model at the University of Toronto. That national model was adapted to reflect the regional dimensions of the Atlantic Provinces. We find robust evidence of positive outcomes for the Atlantic region so long as it is part of a broader increase in immigration for the country as a whole. The positive outcome encompasses higher GDP and GDP per capita, higher consumption, and improved government fiscal balances at both the federal and provincial levels that could in turn be used for tax reductions or the enhancement of government services. These benefits could be enhanced further by carefully targeting new immigrants for needed skills and for their likelihood of remaining in the Atlantic region.
We hope our findings can contribute to the current debate on immigration policies in Canada, especially in Atlantic Canada.
https://www.tandfonline.com/
Dr. Fang commented on the Federal budget on St. John's Morning Show and Labrador Morning, April 17, 2024
St John's Morning Show with Krissy Holmes: Federal budget breakdown, April 17, 2024
Labrador Morning: Economics Professor Tony Fang reacts to federal budget, April 17, 2024
Budget 2024 - Fairness for Every Generation
The Signal l Budget Reaction - March 22, 2024
What needs to change to get more newcomers to stay in N.L.? - March 6, 2024
Newfoundland and Labrador has a lower newcomer retention rate compared to other provinces. Joined with other two panalists, Dr. Fang discussed factors behind that and what adjustments are necessary to enhance long-term residency and grasp the significance of this endeavor for the province's economy and its trajectory forward.
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
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.
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.
[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!
