Articles by author: Brock University

• Brock prof says private sector weed sales wouldn’t be a bad thing

  Friday, July 27, 2018 | By Brock University

  EXPERT ADVISORY: 27 July 2017 – R00149

  A change in how Ontario sells legal cannabis could be a good thing in the fight against illicit marijuana sales, according to a Brock University business professor.

  Michael Armstrong, Associate Professor in Brock’s Goodman School of Business, points out that the change from public to private retailers selling legal cannabis is still a rumour, but a plausible one at this point.

  “Opening Ontario cannabis retailing in part or in whole to the private sector would greatly improve the ability of legal cannabis to compete here with illicit weed,” says Armstrong, who has written opinion columns on the subject and is available for interviews today, Friday, July 27. “It would also offer consumers the most convenience.”

  But Armstrong says he’s not sure Ontario could have the regulations or enforcement apparatus set up in time for the Oct. 17 legalization date for cannabis in Canada.

  “Given the late stage we’re at, the best approach would be to allow licensed cannabis growers to open ‘greenhouse outlet’ stores at each of their production sites. Such growers have already been vetted by Health Canada and clearly would know their products well. Other retailers could be added at a later date,” Armstrong says, adding that Ontario appears to be one of the least prepared provinces for the upcoming legalization.

  He says the planned count of 40 retail stores across the province for 2018 and 150 by 2020 is insufficient to compete with the black market at serving Ontario’s large population.

  Associate Professor Michael Armstrong is available for interviews on the issue. He can be contacted directly at marmstrong2@brocku.ca

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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  Categories: Media releases

• Brock names first Director of Human Rights and Equity

  Thursday, July 26, 2018 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 26 July 2018 – R00148

  Brock University has appointed its first Director of Human Rights and Equity (HRE) to further advance diversity, equity and inclusion, and to promote a welcoming and collegial environment across the University community.

  Leela MadhavaRau will take on the new role, effective Sept. 5.

  She joins Brock from California’s University of Redlands, where she most recently served as Associate Dean and Advisor to the President for Campus Diversity and Inclusion. She has extensive leadership experience in both the Canadian and American university setting.

  The new Director of the Office of Human Rights and Equity will report directly to President Gervan Fearon.

  “It is an exciting time for Brock as we move forward in fostering an institutional culture and practices around diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as a safe and nurturing University environment,” Fearon said. “Leela’s proven leadership and experience will be a vital part of these developments. I know the entire University community will welcome her and the contributions she will make to Brock students, faculty and staff.”

  While HRE remains an independent office of complaint resolution and equity programming, the new reporting line emphasizes the priority placed on human rights and equity, along with university culture, by the President and senior administration. It supports a recommendation by the University’s Human Rights Task Force to enhance the importance of human rights in the University structure.

  The Task Force issued its final report in May 2017, which prompted the creation of the President’s Advisory Committee for Human Rights, Equity and Decolonization.

  MadhavaRau said she is looking forward to taking on the new Director role at Brock.

  “The position fulfils both professional and personal ambitions — allowing me to work at an institution committed to creating and promoting equity and inclusion across campus in a systemic manner. My return to the Niagara region will also bring me closer to my family,” she said. “Brock impressed me during my visit with the intentionality around which this position was created, and I particularly like the reporting line to Dr. Fearon.”

  With more than 25 years of experience in the Human Rights and Equity field, MadhavaRau said the work “can be as challenging as it is rewarding.”

  “I believe I bring experiences to assist Brock with meeting the challenges and to support the opportunities,” she said. “The University’s openness to developing this position and the obvious collaboration across campus will make my early days easier. I look forward to speaking with all constituencies after my arrival on campus at the beginning of September.”

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  Brock University Marketing and Communications has a full-service studio where we can provide high definition video and broadcast-quality audio.

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  Categories: Media releases