Brock University President and Vice-Chancellor Lesley Rigg (right) met with St. Catharines Member of Parliament Chris Bittle on Monday, Jan. 19 to discuss shared priorities for the year ahead. The meeting explored opportunities linked to Budget 2026, including potential federal funding to strengthen Brock’s research impact and expand youth employment initiatives, and the importance of collaboration to support innovation, skills development and economic growth in Niagara and beyond.