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McGill’s new Social Economy Initiative features Paul Martin and Henry Mintzberg at inaugural flagship event on April 16

Published: 26 March 2013

Montreal, March 26, 2013 – Four pre-eminent Quebec-based social economy experts will participate in “Strengths of the Social Economy” on Tuesday, April 16 at 5:00 pm at the Centre Mont-Royal in downtown Montreal (www.mcgill.ca/sei-flagship). Hosted by the Desautels Faculty of Management’s Social Economy Initiative (SEI), this event will involve a lively and informed discussion about why Quebec is considered a global pioneer in this arena, trends in social finance, the role public policy can play in further developing the sector, and what kind of leaders are required for its ongoing success.

The experts include: The Right Honourable Paul Martin (Former Prime Minister of Canada and co-founder of the CAPE Fund), Dr. Henry Mintzberg (John Cleghorn Professor of Management Studies, McGill University) and Nancy Neamtan (President and Executive Director of the Chantier de l'économie sociale). The event will be facilitated by Stephen Huddart (President and CEO of the J. W. McConnell Family Foundation).

“The Quebec social economy is admired around the world, but is a hidden gem at home,” says Dr. Anita Nowak, Integrating Director of the SEI. “Part of the reason for hosting this event is to shine a light on a sector for which we can all feel proud.”

The SEI will acknowledge the contributions of eight Montreal-area social economy organizations by bestowing Certificates of Social Impact. The event will also feature a presentation by a group of McGill MBA students who placed first in the Regional Finalists (Boston) of the 2013 Hult Prize, a start-up accelerator for social entrepreneurship that works in partnership with the Clinton Global Initiative to create a student movement for social good.

As a part of the Marcel Desautels Institute for Integrated Management’s focus on social well-being, the newly-established SEI encourages the advancement of social entrepreneurship and social innovation through teaching, research, and outreach activities. “The SEI is committed to preparing a pipeline of leaders passionate about finding innovative solutions to social and economic challenges,” Dr. Nowak says.

“The social economy is particularly attractive to Millennials who seek careers aligned with values they hold dear, namely sustainability and social justice. Last fall, a first cohort of 40 students completed an introductory course on social entrepreneurship and many are now active in the milieu. This event will give McGill students and the Montreal community an opportunity to learn more about this important sector from thought-leaders and field experts,” she adds.

The event is free and open to the public and media are welcome. The discussion at 5:00 pm will be followed by a cocktail reception at 7:00 pm. Participants can register online: www.mcgill.ca/sei-flagship

About the Marcel Desautels Institute for Integrated Management (MDIIM):

Inaugurated in 2008, the MDIIM’s mandate is to develop an integrated approach to management—one that breaks down disciplinary boundaries, embraces multiple perspectives, and encourages holistic thinking about organizations. The Institute seeks to develop and foster an integrated approach to management education across the various programs within the Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University. www.mcgill.ca/mdiim

About McGill University’s Desautels Faculty of Management:

Founded in Montreal, Quebec, in 1821, McGill University is Canada’s leading post-secondary institution. It has two campuses, 11 faculties, 11 professional schools, 300 programs of study and some 38,000 students from over 150 countries around the world. Since 1906, the Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill has continued to be one of the top international business schools in the world. The faculty emphasizes the integration of teaching, research and practice, and applies an integrated, holistic approach to identifying innovative opportunities and solving problems. Desautels’ exacting standards, innovative approach and historic reputation for excellence continue to attract the finest students, the most prominent professors and the most demanding recruiters from around the globe. Education choices at Desautels include all management disciplines, with programs at the undergraduate, masters, doctorate, and executive levels. www.mcgill.ca/desautels

For general information, please contact:

Anita Nowak | SEI Integrating Director | anita.nowak [at] mcgill.ca | +1 514 966 4740

To organize an interview, please contact:

Leilani Ku |Desautels Faculty of Management ­- Communications | leilani.ku [at] mcgill.ca | +1 514 398 7131

Chris Chipello | McGill University – Media Relations Office | christopher.chipello [at] mcgill.ca| +1 514 398 4201 

SEI on the web:

www.mcgill.ca/sei and www.facebook.com/TheSocialEconomyInitiative

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