Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
This societal impact focuses on how universities can support, and be, strong institutions in their countries and promote peace and justice. It explores universities’ research on law and international relations, their participation as advisers to the government and their policies on academic freedoms.
Lakehead University recognizes the importance of upholding the values of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. Through the fields of criminology, law and social justice, Lakehead equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to address conflict resolution, social inequalities, and human rights violations while promoting peace and justice.
University Governance Measure
16.2.1 Elected representation
Does your university as a body have elected representation on the university’s highest governing body from: Students (both undergraduate and graduate), Faculty, and Staff (non-faculty employees)?
Lakehead University’s Board of Governors fulfils its governance, oversight, and public accountability duties through leadership and delegation in strategic planning, financial stewardship, ethical integrity, and risk management regarding the university's objectives and purposes, assets, and affairs. The by-laws and regulations of the Board of Governors ensure representation from students, faculty and staff.
The Senate is responsible for the educational policy of Lakehead University including academic decisions about programs, course content, and conferring degrees. The Senate has approximately one hundred voting members, with the majority being faculty members and deans. Membership also includes undergraduate and graduate student representatives.
Lakehead University also has the Ogimaawin Indigenous Education Council (OIEC), which was founded on the original Native Advisory Committee and constituted into its present form in response to the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training - Aboriginal Education and Training Strategy (AETS) in the early 1990s. AETS is an initiative to increase access for Indigenous students in Ontario's universities and colleges. OIEC membership consists of organizations from the surrounding Indigenous community that sit in an advisory capacity to the President's Office. The OIEC by-laws outline the composition of the Council, which includes two Indigenous students. The OIEC has representation on the Lakehead University Board of Governors and Senate.
16.2.2 Students' union
Does your university as a body recognise a students' union?
Lakehead University recognizes the Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) as a democratic organization governed directly by the students. Through referendums held at both the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses, students elect an executive committee and board of directors to represent student interests and inform service and support needs through LUSU.
Any student who enrolls in at least one course at Lakehead University is automatically a member of LUSU and has an equal opportunity to inform union decisions.
The Lakehead University Student Union serves as a means of advocating for student interests, organizing events, providing support services and fostering a sense of community on campus.
16.2.3 Identify and engage with local stakeholders
Does your university as a body have written policies and procedures to identify local stakeholders external to the university and engage with them?
Lakehead University strives to facilitate world-class collaboration, innovative research and partnerships with stakeholders locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. To fulfil its goals and objectives articulated in Lakehead University’s Strategic and Academic Plans, the University considers a coherent and collaborative management approach to engagement activities crucial for seizing opportunities to enhance the profile and reputation of the institution.
The Ogimaawin Indigenous Education Council (OIEC) was founded on the original Native Advisory Committee and constituted into its present form in response to the Ontario Ministry of Education and Training - Aboriginal Education and Training Strategy (AETS) in the early 1990s. AETS is an initiative to increase access for Indigenous students in Ontario's universities and colleges. OIEC membership consists of organizations from the surrounding Indigenous community that sit in an advisory capacity to the President's Office. The OIEC by-laws outline the composition of the Council, which includes two Indigenous students. The OIEC has representation on the Lakehead University Board of Governors and Senate.
The President's Advisory Council on Economic Development for Simcoe County advises the President of Lakehead University of opportunities within the regional economic development ecosystem with a focus on strategic partnerships with local communities, municipalities, businesses and industry to support innovation, economic development and the creation of highly skilled job-seekers in Simcoe County.
Further, the Social Media Policy (last updated in 2022) and Brand Guidelines Policy, (last updated in 2022), provide guidance to the University community in engaging stakeholders. Lakehead University’s External Sponsorship Policy (last updated in 2015) is used to identify and connect the university with target audiences in ways that reinforce meaningful and positive perceptions of the institution by engaging the community, supporting the brand, increasing student enrolments, and exploring new opportunities and partnerships. These policies establish guidelines by informing, listening, responding, and engaging with stakeholders in a unified voice and approach.
The following principles underpin these policies:
Engagement activities are to be conducted in a highly ethical and collaborative spirit in line with the University’s values as noted in the Employee Code of Conduct, Student Code of Conduct and Lakehead University’s Conflict of Interest policies
Members of the Lakehead University community conducting engagement activities conduct themselves as ambassadors for the entire University and are not to bring the institution into disrepute
Careful consideration must be given to the external sharing of information about the University to ensure that such information is appropriate, accurate and is not shared where it is commercially sensitive or in breach of data privacy and protection legislation.
All members of the University community involved in managing internal and external relationships while representing the university should comply with these policies.
16.2.4 Participatory bodies for stakeholder engagement
Does your university as a body ensure that local stakeholders in the university, including local residents, local government, and civil society representatives (which may include groups such as refugee resettlement agencies), have a meaningful mechanism for participating in university decision making?
Lakehead University invites local stakeholders and community members to engage in meaningful dialogue and actively participate in the university’s decision-making process through a series of open public meetings conducted throughout the year.
The Lakehead University Board of Governors permits deputations from interested parties by appointment during open meetings of the Board of Governors in accordance with the procedures set out in the Board of Governors Deputation Policy (last updated in 2024). Deputations are intended to provide the opportunity for individuals and organizations to express their interest in and views on specific matters directly to the Board.
All Senate meetings are open to observers, guests and the public, except when the Senate by majority vote, resolves to move in camera for the consideration of sensitive, personal or confidential business. If any member of the public would like to speak or present at a Senate meeting, they must contact the University Secretariat at least eight business days prior to the meeting to be considered for the meeting agenda.
The Ogimaawin Indigenous Education Council (OIEC) facilitates formal Indigenous community involvement in university governance. The OIEC advises the President and ensures Indigenous voices shape institutional planning, policy, and student experience. The bylaws:
Includes representatives from Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities as voting members.
Involves Indigenous students, faculty, and staff as internal voting members.
Receives guidance from an Elder appointed by the Elders Council (non-voting).
Participates in the development and monitoring of strategic and academic plans.
The President's Advisory Council on Economic Development for Simcoe County advises the President of Lakehead University of opportunities within the regional economic development ecosystem with a focus on strategic partnerships with local communities, municipalities, businesses and industry to support innovation, economic development and the creation of highly skilled job-seekers in Simcoe County.
16.2.5 University principles on corruption and bribery
Does your university as a body have a publication of the university's principles and commitments on organized crime, corruption & bribery?
Bribery and corruption are unequivocally unethical and impermissible actions, directly contradicting our core values and the principles outlined in our Employee Code of Conduct, Student Code of Conduct and Lakehead University’s Conflict of Interest policy.
Members of the university community must uphold these principles by:
Acting lawfully, ethically and in the university and public interest
Not tolerate behaviour that is illegal, unethical or breaches human rights
Not participate in corrupt practices and have a zero-tolerance policy for bribery or corruption in any form by any party
Follow high standards of ethical conduct
Members of our university community will conduct themselves in a manner consistent with university policies, protocols, procedures and regulations as well as in compliance with all federal, provincial and municipal laws, including human rights codes and policies.
Lakehead University’s Responsible Investment Policy (last updated in 2022) ensures that the University exercises its fiduciary duty in its Restricted Internal Funds and Trust and Endowment Funds. In alignment with the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI), this policy incorporates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, ensuring investment and financial decisions are made in the best interests of the university, aligned with our codes of conduct and commitments against corruption and bribery.
The Supply Chain Code of Ethics (last updated in 2020) ensures that all members of the university involved with purchasing or other supply chain-related activities must act, and be seen to act, with integrity and professionalism. Honesty, care and due diligence must be integral to all supply chain activities within and between organizations, suppliers and other stakeholders.
Lakehead University’s publications are available through its official website found here. Policies are developed and managed by the University Secretariat through an impartial, fair governance process guided by Lakehead’s Policy Guidance Framework.
16.2.6 Academic freedom policy
Does your university as a body have a policy on supporting academic freedom (freedom to choose areas of research and to speak and teach publicly about the area of their research)?
Lakehead University’s Free Expression Policy (last updated in 2019) commits to "the ability to examine, question, investigate, speculate and comment on any issue without reference to prescribed doctrine, [and] ... the right to critique and contest views expressed on campus". This agreement and policy provide both research and teaching freedoms for junior and senior academics. The policy applies to all students, staff, faculty, and visitors and allows regulation of expression and academic freedom to protect safety, privacy, or lawful obligations.
Further, commitments to academic freedom are outlined in Article 15 of the Collective Agreement (2023-2026) between Lakehead University and the Lakehead University Faculty Association, which also aligns with Universities Canada Statement on Academic Freedom. The Universities Canada Statement on Academic Freedom was accepted unanimously by university presidents in October 2011 and clarifies the importance and definition of academic freedom on campuses across Canada.
Lakehead University’s publications are available through its official website found here. Policies are developed and managed by the University Secretariat through an impartial, fair governance process guided by Lakehead’s Policy Guidance Framework.
16.2.7 Publish financial data
Does your university as a body have a publication of university financial data?
Lakehead University’s financial data is readily accessible to the public through the Financial Statements webpage and through the Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO). This information is conveniently provided in both .pdf and Access database formats, ensuring easy access and transparency.
Working with Government
16.3.1 Provide expert advice to the government
Does your university as a body provide specific expert advice to local, regional or national government (e.g. through policy guidance, participation in committees, provision of evidence)?
Lakehead University is a member of Universities Canada, an organization which represents Canadian universities at national and international levels. Universities Canada advocates on behalf of Canadian universities to government bodies, policymakers, and other stakeholders to influence policy decisions related to higher education funding, research, innovation, and other areas that impact universities and their students.
Lakehead University is also a member of the Council of Ontario Universities, a leading, forward-looking organization championing and advancing the role of Ontario Universities in promoting student success, fostering community economic development, driving research and innovation, and creating high value-added jobs and growth. Like its members, COU is a non-partisan organization committed to working in partnership with government, industry, and community stakeholders in fostering student success and economic growth. COU will take a neutral stance on geo-political issues and focus its efforts on matters of importance to Ontario universities and the prosperity of the province.
The Office of Government Relations at Lakehead University plays a vital role in facilitating communication, collaboration and advocacy between the university and various levels of government. The primary responsibility encompasses a range of activities aimed at advancing the interests of the university within the public policy and legislative landscape. Their activities include:
Advocacy and Lobbying
Policy Analysis and Strategic Planning
Relationship Building
Legislative Engagement
Cultivating productive relationships and strong lines of communication with the Legislative Assembly of Ontario (Queen’s Park) and the Federal Legislature of Canada (Parliament Hill) is essential and is achieved by working with all parties including ministers, parliamentarians, political staff and senior bureaucrats.
Researchers at Lakehead University are also active contributors to various initiatives that provide expert advice and policy guidance to governments at the local, regional and national levels.
| Local |
University-City Partnerships to Solve Local Challenges:
In 2023-24, Lakehead University participated in the CityStudio partnership with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University, Confederation College, and the City of Thunder Bay collaborating to develop solutions for local community problems and challenges. CityStudio is an innovative, collaborative educational model that connects students, academia, and local governments to address urban challenges and co-create policies and solutions for sustainable, livable cities. More information on these initiatives can be found here and here.
| Regional |
Justice for Victims of Sexual Assault:
In 2023 -2024, Dr. Jodie Murphy-Oikonen, Dr. Karen McQueen and Dr. Lori Chambers of Lakehead University explore police officers’ experiences responding to cases of sexual assault. Their research reveals that many officers feel unprepared to handle sexual assault cases, negatively impacting survivor interactions. The findings suggest that improving training and support for officers could enhance both their response to victims and the overall justice process for survivors. More information can be found here.
| National |
Mino-Waabandan Inaakonigewinan (Seeing Law in a Good Way) Indigenous Law & Justice Institute:
In 2023-2024, Lakehead University's Bora Laskin Faculty of Law continues to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action #50 by strengthening Indigenous legal education and access to justice. In collaboration with the Mino-Waabandan Inaakonigewinan Indigenous Law and Justice Institute and the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, the institute aims to provide frameworks for policy that promotes justice and reconciliation. By collaborating with Indigenous communities and organizations, the institute is able to provide culturally-relevant expert advice for governments on their policies on academic freedom. More information can be found here.
16.3.2 Policy- and lawmakers outreach and education
Does your university as a body provide outreach, general education, upskilling and capacity-building to policy- and law-makers on relevant topics e.g. economics, law, technology, migration and displacement, and climate change?
Lakehead University actively provides outreach, general education, upskilling and capacity-building initiatives to policymakers and lawmakers on a variety of topics. This work is completed through collaboration on various research and outreach projects.
Examples of 2023 - 2024 outreach, general education, upskilling and capacity building include:
Through the President’s Council on Truth and Reconciliation, Lakehead University develops teaching modules and webinars addressing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, promoting a “reconciliation through education” model. It also maintains active relationships and exchanges with Indigenous leadership, the municipal government of Thunder Bay, and both provincial and federal governments, ensuring that knowledge and perspectives on reconciliation inform broader decision-making. In this way, the university extends education and dialogue beyond campus to support policy and governance work.
Lakehead researchers Dr. Kristen Lowitt & Dr. Charles Levkoe contribute to outreach and capacity-building for policy and lawmakers by providing evidence-based analysis on the role of basic income in creating a more just and sustainable food system. By linking economic policy to food security, farming livelihoods, and climate resilience, the research extends beyond academia to inform public debate and government decision-making.
Mino-Waabandan Inaakonigewinan (Seeing Law in a Good Way) Indigenous Law & Justice Institute at Lakehead University works with Indigenous communities and organizations to identify and articulate Indigenous laws, legal principles and systems; promotes access to both Indigenous legal systems and the Canadian justice system through public legal education; strengthens law faculty curriculum with land-based teaching and cultural competency; and produces research and tools to support law revitalization and access to justice.
The Remedial Action Plan facilitates large-scale environmental restoration and protection projects on Lake Superior, including sediment cleanups, mercury remediation, and watershed research. The network educates and upskills participants on environmental science, policy implementation, and sustainable resource management. Its community engagement approach, including cooperative planning, research dissemination, and stakeholder consultations, ensures that policy- and law-makers are informed, trained, and involved in evidence-based decision-making on environmental issues, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) initiative led by Dr. Christopher Mushquash at Lakehead University provides outreach, general education, and capacity-building to policy- and law-makers on mental health, Indigenous health, and youth wellness. The project examines how mental health services are delivered in Indigenous communities and develops culturally relevant best practices for implementation in Integrated Youth Services hubs across Canada. By engaging with communities, families, and stakeholders, the initiative fosters informed decision-making and equips policy- and law-makers with evidence-based approaches to improve mental health services for Indigenous youth, building capacity to implement effective and culturally appropriate policies.
Lakehead University is actively engaged in providing outreach, education, and capacity-building to policy- and law-makers on critical topics such as climate change, environmental sustainability, and teacher training. Dr. Ellen Field, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Education, aims to integrate climate change education into teacher training curricula across Canada. This initiative, supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada, involves developing a national e-course, hosting webinars, organizing a roundtable, and offering seed grants to faculties of education. By collaborating with educators and policymakers, the project aims to enhance the capacity of teachers to deliver effective and justice-oriented climate change education in K–12 classrooms.
Lakehead University’s commitment to knowledge dissemination extends beyond our academic community, and we actively collaborate with policymakers to facilitate informed decision-making and policies that address societal challenges.
16.3.3 Participation in government research
Does your university as a body undertake policy-focused research in collaboration with government departments?
Lakehead University actively engages in policy-focused research in close collaboration with various government departments. Lakehead’s policy-focused research has informed governments at local, regional (provincial), national, and international levels. Our commitment to advancing policy-focused research in collaboration with government departments can be seen in Lakehead University’s Research Plan.
Examples of 2023 - 2024 policy-focused research informing government:
Lakehead researchers Dr. Kristen Lowitt & Dr. Charles Levkoe not only assess the impacts of federal interventions like the Canada Emergency Response Benefit but also collaborate with advocacy networks, farmers, and fishers to generate evidence that can guide government decisions on food security and sustainable food systems.
Projects are carried out with Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, alongside Lakehead academics, students, and community stakeholders. These collaborations have led to large-scale restoration initiatives such as sediment cleanups, wastewater treatment improvements, and mercury contamination mitigation, while also supporting research on algae blooms, watershed health, and geomatics mapping. The results are shared with both communities and governments, directly informing environmental policy and decision-making for Lake Superior’s long-term protection.
Dr. Christopher Mushquash’s work on Indigenous youth mental health goes beyond academic study by actively collaborating with communities and government partners to generate evidence that informs the design of mental health services
The Council itself was created by the federal government to guide Canada’s first Food Policy, and it brings together academics, Indigenous leaders, food producers, and community advocates alongside government representatives. Through this structure, university researchers such as Lakehead’s Dr. Charles Levkoe contribute evidence and expertise that shape national policy directions on food security, health, sustainability, and equity
Lakehead University fosters engagement with public policy discourse. The university hosted the Harold G. Fox Distinguished Lecture featuring Michael Pal, an expert in election law and constitutional democracy. This demonstrates that Lakehead University provides a forum for scholarly insight aimed at informing and influencing public, legal, and political audiences.
Lakehead University undertakes applied, policy-relevant research in partnership with community stakeholders and industry, with clear implications for housing policy in northern Indigenous regions. Working on modular housing design, adaptation to extreme weather, and collaboration with industrial partners and communities indicates research aimed at informing and influencing government and policy frameworks for northern, Indigenous housing infrastructure.
Through these collaborations, Lakehead aims to provide valuable insights, data and evidence-based recommendations to support informed policy decision-making and contribute to the betterment of society.
16.3.4 Neutral platform to discuss issues
Does your university as a body undertake policy-focused research in collaboration with government departments?
Lakehead University’s Diversity Awareness Policy (established in 2010) affirms the university’s commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of identity. The policy:
Promotes dialogue by encouraging diverse perspectives in the exchange of knowledge and ideas.
Recognizes the importance of equity in participation, particularly for historically marginalized groups.
Frames diversity as essential to innovation, academic excellence, and civic responsibility, supporting a campus culture where respectful political and social discourse can thrive.
Lakehead University’s Freedom of Expression Policy (last updated in 2019) articulates the "commitment to free expression to examine, question, investigate, speculate and comment on any issue without reference to prescribed doctrine, [and] the right to critique and contest views expressed on campus." Lakehead will not attempt to limit the access of university community members to ideas or opinions that they disagree with or find offensive.
There are numerous 'safe' spaces accessible across campus, facilitated by diverse groups and student centres. These spaces offer opportunities to openly discuss challenges without fear of judgment. Among these spaces are: the Indigenous Awareness Centre, Gender Equity Centre, Pride Central, and the Multicultural Centre.
Lakehead University’s policies are available through its official website found here. Policies are developed and managed by the University Secretariat through an impartial, fair governance process guided by Lakehead’s Policy Guidance Framework.