(Thunder Bay - April 13, 2004) The workshop "Developing Community-Based Research in Northwestern Ontario: Evaluating Voluntary Sector Capacities" will be held at Lakehead University this weekend.

Keynote speaker Paula Speevak-Sladowski, Managing Director of the Centre for Voluntary Sector Research & Development, Carleton University, will be making a presentation about "Voluntary Sector Evaluation: Where Do We Go From Here?" on Friday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. in ATAC, Room 5035.

The workshop runs on Friday, April 16 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Members of the media are welcome to attend any part of the conference. Interviews may be conducted with Dr. Doug West, Chair, Department of Political Science, Lakehead University and Chair, Voluntary Sector Evaluation Research Project (VSERP), Thunder Bay. Dr. West is a facilitator for the workshop. He can be reached by calling 768-7827.

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Contact: Dr. West, Workshop Facilitator, 768-7827

Marla Tomlinson, Office of Communications, 807-343-8177
Communications@lakeheadu.ca www.lakeheadu.ca

THUNDER BAY, Ontario (April 8, 2004) - Thunder Bay-Superior North MP, the Honourable Joe Comuzzi, and Thunder Bay-Atikokan MP, Stan Dromisky, are pleased to announce FedNor support to Lakehead University for the development of five new initiatives. The University will enhance programming in its Innovation Management Office (IMO), design a toxicity prediction system for use in the pulp and paper production industry, obtain accreditation and expand its DNA and Forest Soils laboratories, as well as purchase specialized equipment for testing wood products in order to help the forest industry maximize the value of harvested resources.

"The Government of Canada, through FedNor, is committed to supporting initiatives that foster innovation and diversification in the Northern economy, allowing this region to become more self-sustaining," says Mr. Comuzzi. "This funding enables Lakehead to assist private sector partners in capitalizing on opportunities to grow and succeed."

"Ensuring institutions and communities have access to the capital and resources they require to compete is a high priority of our government," says Dr. Dromisky. "This funding enables Lakehead University to expand both its facilities and client base."

A FedNor investment of $924,457 will enable Lakehead University to pursue the following key projects.

In an effort to address the gaps in support for Northwestern Ontario innovators in transferring their knowledge and technology to others, the Innovative Management Office (IMO) will deliver targeted programs to assist industry, researchers and inventors in commercializing their concepts in Northern Ontario. The IMO plans to solicit industry-sponsored research projects; patent intellectual property; assist with the formation of knowledge-based start-up companies; support regional economic development and diversification; and educate and mentor new knowledge-based entrepreneurs.

Secondly, a Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) system and a Toxicity Early Warning (TEW) system are being developed for integration into the design of newsprint and kraft mill processes where various manufacturing changes may affect the toxicity of the discharged waste. Two junior researchers will be involved in the design and implementation of experiments that will be used for more detailed studies by graduating students participating in the initiative.

Lakehead University will also seek ISO and Standards Council of Canada accreditations for its Paleo-DNA Laboratory. The lab will offer DNA sequencing and analysis services to researchers and private businesses. This will assist the university in becoming nationally and internationally renowned for biotechnology research in Northwestern Ontario and enhance the facility's ability to attract top researchers, academics and students to the university and the region.

In addition, the institution will seek accreditation and the development of a business plan for its Forest Soils Laboratory. This project will allow the lab to offer a full range of services for all types of soils and tissue analyses. Lakehead will then be able to respond to service requests on a fee-for-service basis, and ensure highly trained personnel are available for customers, namely entrepreneurs and private sector partners. Training for staff in instrumentation and environmental sciences will also be provided.

And finally, Lakehead University will purchase a universal wood testing machine and test products produced by Superior Thermowood, a Northwestern Ontario-based firm. Specifically, the institution will test Canadian timbers which traditionally are considered of low value and test shaped wood products to determine their properties and potential for value-added wood products. This project is being funded under the Government of Canada's Softwood Industry and Community Economic Adjustment Initiative (SICEAI).

"This funding from FedNor enables us to enhance our services to meet the growing needs of industry and businesses, as well as expand our capacity to undertake research with the potential for commercialization," says Fred Gilbert, president of Lakehead University. "We are pleased to help increase Northwestern Ontario's ability to compete in the global marketplace."

FedNor works in partnership with Northern Ontario entrepreneurs, economic development stakeholders and community organizations to ensure Northerners enjoy full access to the information and services they require to be successful.

By supporting Lakehead University through its programs and services, FedNor is opening doors and building futures for a prosperous Northern Ontario.

Funding for this initiative was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.

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To find out more about FedNor, visit us at: http://fednor.ic.gc.ca

For more information, please contact:
Jenna Young, Communications Assistant, Office of the Honourable Joe Comuzzi, (807) 345-4305
David Frood, Communications Officer, FedNor (807) 766-1820 or 1-877-333-6673
Marla Tomlinson, Office of Communications, Lakehead University 807-343-8177

(April 8, 2004. Thunder Bay) Lakehead University, Faculty of Science and Humanities, is inviting the Thunder Bay community to participate in a dialogue to help shape plans for the Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

SSHRC is in the midst of a transformation in which it hopes to establish new connections between researchers and research users, and to support research development and the delivery of knowledge to its many users.

SSHRC promotes and assists research and scholarship in the social sciences and humanities. The researchers it supports ask questions that help us make informed decisions about issues such as immigration, monetary policy, the environment, justice and human rights, culture - and even the meaning of life, itself.

The information session will be held on Tuesday, April 13 from 7 - 9:00 p.m. at ATAC 1007. It is open to the public.

For more information on the SSHRC transformation, please look at http://www.sshrc.ca/web/whatsnew/initiatives/transformation/documents_e.asp

For further information on the SSHRC information session, please contact Dr. Kim Fedderson, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, at 343-8167.

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Media Contact: Eleanor S. Abaya, Director of Communications 343-8372

(April 1, 2004. Thunder Bay, ON.) The campus community at Lakehead University has spoken. In a huge turnout of voters (46%), the University voted 68% in favour of a smoking ban, versus 32% against a ban. This means that smoking in all University buildings, including Residences, and outside on all University grounds and property will not be allowed. The ban will be effective July 1, 2004.

Lakehead University is the first university in Canada to have put on-campus smoking to a vote. The Yes vote makes Lakehead the first university in a non-urban setting to ban smoking on campus.

Voting was conducted online from March 25 to March 31. Around 90% of faculty and staff voted, compared with 37% of students.

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Contact: Eleanor Abaya, Director of Communications: 807. 343-8372

(March 29, 2004. Thunder Bay, ON) The 4th year Bachelor of Science in Nursing students at Lakehead University will be able to claim a "first." On Friday, April 2, the students are holding their 2nd Annual Nursing Scholarship Forum at the brand-new TBRHSC, and are in a sense "baptizing" the premises.

The Nursing Forum is an opportunity for fourth year nursing students to demonstrate their scholarly skills in an appropriate setting. The day-long event represents a culmination of the fourth-year students' learning experience throughout their program, and is supported by the nursing faculty."

The Forum starts at 8:30 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. It is broken down into four sessions, with two concurrent sessions starting at 10:30 in the morning and two at 1:30 in the afternoon. Among the topics covered in the morning session are: "Early intervention strategies for mental health in First Nation children and youth," and "Developmental challenges faced by pregnant and parenting adolescents." The afternoon sessions include: "Addressing the emerging epidemic of Type II diabetes," and "The importance of paternal-infant relationship and the availability of resources for first-time fathers."

TBRHSC Manager of Education George Fieber offered the students the opportunity to hold the first conference to take place at the Thunder Bay Health Sciences Centre. Conference co-chairs Karen Poole and Pat Sevean said the students immediately accepted the offer and thought the space was entirely appropriate for the objectives of the conference. Pat adds, "We are all delighted with this collaboration, and we look forward to working closely with the Centre on future initiatives."
The Forum is open to healthcare professionals. To reserve a seat, please call 343-8395.
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Media Interviews: Pat Sevean 343-8396 or Karen Poole 343-8439
Contact: Eleanor Abaya, Director of Communications 343- 8372

(March 23, 2004. Thunder Bay, ON.) Thursday, March 25, to Wednesday, March 31 are important dates for both smokers and non-smokers at Lakehead University. On these dates, a referendum is being held to determine whether the campus should be completely smoke-free - or not.

Lakehead students, faculty, and staff are urged to cast their vote. A "yes" vote would ban smoking completely effective July 1, 2004 on all University buildings, including Residences, and outside on all University grounds and property. Lakehead is the first university in Canada to put this issue to a vote. A "no" vote would maintain status quo, where smoking on campus is allowed at designated locations. A "yes" vote will make Lakehead University the first university to ban smoking on its campus in Ontario, and the first university in a non-urban setting to do so.
To ensure that all prospective voters have easy access to a ballot, voting is taking place online, and a link will be provided to students, faculty, and staff starting March 25. The referendum is being promoted to the campus community through email, bulletin board notices, and the media.

Michael Pawlowski, vice president administration and finance, says: "Lakehead University is aligning itself with planned provincial legislation that, within three years, would ban smoking in public places and workplaces. The City of Thunder Bay at the last municipal election voted to be smoke-free effective July 2004, and the University community now has the opportunity to decide what to do within its campus."

Sean Hannaford, president of the Lakehead University Student Union adds: "This is one of those defining moments. We encourage everyone to cast a vote."

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Interviews: Michael Pawlowski and Sean Hannaford are available for interview.

Contacts: Eleanor Abaya, Director of Communications 343-8372; Bev Bicknell, Executive Assistant to the President, 343-8577

(Thunder Bay - March 22, 2004) The Faculty of Business Administration, Lakehead University, is pleased to announce the establishment of the CIBC Branch & Small Business Banking Scholarship. The scholarship is for 3rd year Honours Bachelor of Commerce Students (Business Finance Major), and offers $2000 to the successful candidate for the 2004-2005 academic year.

The CIBC Scholarship is open to all students who meet the following criteria:

- Current 3rd year Honours Bachelor of Commerce, Finance Discipline student
- 75% Overall Average
- Successful completion of CSC (those applicants who are currently enrolled will also be considered) and working towards PFPC
- Demonstrated leadership skills
- Career aspirations in Retail Banking

Interested parties are asked to forward their request for consideration along with a copy of their resume, current academic transcript, as well as a one-page paper that describes why they are well suited for and interested in a career in Retail Banking. Applicants should also include in their paper the reason why they should be awarded the CIBC Branch and Small Business Banking Scholarship.

Applications must be received no later than March 29, 2004 to be considered.

The top 3 finalists will present their paper to a panel of judges, including senior business leaders within CIBC, on April 2, 2004.

Applications are to be forwarded to Professor K. Hartviksen, Faculty of Business, Lakehead University.

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Media interviews: Ken Hartviksen, Lakehead University, 343 - 8497, or Luanne Kendall, CIBC, (613) 564-8436

Contact:
Eleanor Abaya, Director of Communications 343-8372

(Thunder Bay - March 19, 2004) Lakehead University will receive an estimated $1 million in funding from the Living Legacy Trust (LLT) to enhance forestry research. With these funds, the Living Legacy Research Program Advisory Committee will administer the Living Legacy Research Program, the Living Legacy Graduate Scholarship, and the Living Legacy Trust Document Repository.

"The board was very pleased with the LLT aspect of the Lakehead University proposal, including the LLT Document Repository and the Scholarship," says Michael Power, Chair of the LLT. "Moreover, the extensive access to leverage the dollars for research themes aligned to the LLT mandate will allow many diverse groups to apply for funding. The diverse nature of the Advisory Committee will ensure that many aspects are addressed when considering projects."

The Living Legacy Research Program Advisory Committee will include representatives from the forest industry, First Nations, the tourism industry, the hunting and fishing community, the
conservation community, and the Ministry of Natural Resources.

"The Living Legacy Trust has played an important role in funding projects to offset the impact of the Lands for Life land use decisions and provide new research data to aid sustainable forest management," says Dr. Fred Gilbert, President of Lakehead University. "It is heartening that LLT has at the end of its mandate "entrusted" Lakehead University to continue its good work with the Trust's residual funds."

Living Legacy Research Program
The project receiving the majority of funding will be the Living Legacy Research Program. This program will take the funds and allocate them to other peer-reviewed research projects and activities that meet the same purpose as that of the LLT. These funds would also be open to researchers in Ontario-based forest industries, Ontario universities and colleges, non-government organizations, municipal and federal government agencies, First Nations, and other resource management organizations.

The Living Legacy Research Program will be calling for proposals in November 2004 for projects beginning in April 2005. The project themes include: improved information for sustainable
resource management; forest productivity, succession, and growth and yield; wood quality and value-added; and sustainable forest management.

Living Legacy Graduate Scholarships
The Living Legacy Graduate Scholarships will be awarded to Masters and PhD students pursuing research endeavours that continue the mandate of the Living Legacy Trust at Lakehead University. The first scholarship will be awarded in 2005. With the funds available in the Scholarship, the program has the potential to help support up to 12 Masters students and 5 PhD students over a period of 7 years.

Living Legacy Trust Document Repository
The Living Legacy Trust Document Repository is the creation of a collection of the Living Legacy Trust documents at the Lakehead University Library as well as maintenance and continued development of the LLT Website. The Repository will make results of LLT projects available to forest managers, other researchers, and the public.

The Living Legacy Trust, which was established by the Province of Ontario to invest in natural resource management projects in Northern Ontario, will expire on March 31, 2004. Once administrative closing activities are complete, including final payments on LLT grants, the remaining funds will be awarded to Lakehead University for this project. It is anticipated that over $1 million in funds will be available.

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Contacts:

Lakehead University
Marla Tomlinson, Communications Officer, Lakehead University, 343-8177

Living Legacy Trust
Pam Gilliland, Program Analyst, Living Legacy Trust, 416 964 7636

(Thunder Bay - March 17, 2004) Soon, highly qualified environmental engineers will be graduating from Lakehead University. The new Masters of Science in the field of Environmental Engineering will be taking its first group of students in September 2004.

While there are other Environmental Engineering graduate programs offered in Canada, they do not involve the extensive collaboration between departments in Science and Engineering that will be present in Lakehead's program, says Dr. Lionel Catalan, a professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Lakehead's Canada Research Chair in Industrial Waste Management and Site Remediation.

"The environmental challenges faced by resource industries are broad, including solid waste management, industrial effluents, atmospheric emissions, contamination of soil and natural waters, and sustainable development," says Dr. Catalan, who will be one of the core faculty members in the new program. "With the tourism industry as an important part of the economy of Northwestern Ontario, it's important that the impact on the natural environment be minimized while maintaining the competitiveness of all the business segments. This requires innovative solutions specifically tailored to the geographic and climatic conditions of the north."

The Faculty have met these challenges by incorporating a multidisciplinary approach to the Environmental Engineering Masters. The program will integrate three engineering areas -- chemical, civil, and mechanical - with the disciplines of biology, chemistry, forestry, and geology.

"Graduates of our program will have a wide breadth of knowledge and will be highly qualified to work in all areas of environmental engineering," Dr. Catalan says.

The Faculty of Engineering already offers an interdisciplinary Masters program in Control Engineering, which has been offered since September 1995.

Members of the media are invited to speak with Dr. Catalan. He can be reached directly by calling 343-8573.

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Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Communications Officer, Lakehead University, 343-8177.

The Search Committee for the Vice-President (Academic) and Provost has short-listed candidates to be interviewed. The candidates who have been invited are Dr. Weilin Chang and Dr. Laurie Hayes.

Dr. Weilin Chang is currently Special Advisor to the Academic Vice President at FerrisStateUniversity, Big Rapids, Michigan and was Dean of the College of Technology at FerrisState from 2002 to 2004. Dr. Chang will be interviewed on March 16 and 17.

Dr. Laurie Hayes has been a Professor in the Department of Speech Communication at ColoradoStateUniversity, Fort Collins, Colorado since 1997 and was Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies from 1997 to 2002. Dr. Hayes will be interviewed on April 5 and 6.