Communications

Highlights from the April 23, 2026 Board of Governors meeting

deidre.mccabe@91ɬ��.Ca — Mon, 11 May 2026 12:12:56 +0000

Highlights from the April 23, 2026 Board of Governors meeting deidre.mccabe@… Mon, 05/11/2026 - 08:12

Dear members of the 91ɬ�� Community,

It is our pleasure to provide you with an update on the recent activities of 91ɬ��’s Board of Governors. You can learn more about the Board’s mandate and membership on its website.

The Board of Governors held the fourth regular meeting on April 23, 2026. The full minutes of the meeting’s open session will be available following approval at the Board’s next meeting on May 21, 2026. In the meantime, we would like to share with you the meeting’s important discussions, decisions, and developments.

Thank you for your interest in the work of the Board of Governors. If you have any questions, ideas or comments, please write mcgill.president [at] mcgill.ca (mcgill[dot]president[at]mcgill[dot]ca).

Sincerely,

Deep Saini, President and Vice-Chancellor
Maryse Bertrand, Chair, 91ɬ�� Board of Governors

Key Updates

The Board of Governors, on the recommendation of the Advisory Committee, approved the reappointment of Professor H. Deep Saini as President and Vice-Chancellor of 91ɬ�� for a further five-year term commencing July 1, 2028. Read the full announcement.

The Board of Governors, on the recommendation of the President and Vice-Chancellor, approved the appointment of Professor Alanna Watt as Dean of the Faculty of Science for a five-year renewable term, effective May 1, 2026. Read the full announcement.

As recommended by the Finance and Infrastructure Committee, the Board approved the proposed FY2027 Budget, which features a balanced budget and a $10-million contingency. Looking ahead, expenses are projected to outpace revenue growth, with operating deficits forecasted at $33 million in FY2028 and $55 million in FY2029, underscoring the need for strategic, recurring revenue and expense measures.

The Board of Governors, on the recommendation of Senate, endorsed 91ɬ��'s proposed Strategic Plan on Undergraduate Student Enrolment and Engagement. Designed to adapt to a changing global landscape, the Plan brings together recruitment, academic program planning, student experience, and community engagement into a cohesive, student-centered approach.

Per the recommendation of Senate, the Board also approved the following:

the creation of the proposed Centre of Genomics and Policy. The Centre focuses on the legal, ethical, and policy dimensions of genomics and emerging health innovations, underpinned by a human rights-focused framework;
the appointment of Professor Tracy Webb (Faculty of Science) to the Committee on Staff Grievances and Disciplinary Procedures, for a term effective immediately, and ending on August 31, 2028.

On the recommendation of the Finance and Infrastructure Committee, the Board approved the Identification Policy for Access to Properties Owned, Occupied, or Used by the University. The Policy establishes a clear framework governing when and how identification may be requested in support of university operations, campus security, and compliance with existing policies. It was developed through extensive consultation, including two presentations to Senate and two dedicated consultation sessions with students and faculty members of Senate to ensure feedback was meaningfully incorporated.

Also on the recommendation of the Finance and Infrastructure Committee, the Board approved proceeding with Phase 1 of renovations to the Raymond Building roof, beginning with the west section. Work on Phase 1 is expected to begin in June 2026 and to be completed by next spring.

As recommended by the Committee on Sustainability and Social Responsibility (CSSR), the Board of Governors approved the contents and submission of 91ɬ��’s Annual Report under the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act, for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2026.

The Board received as information the 2025 Investment Committee Report on Socially Responsible Investing.

The Board received a presentation on the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences from Dean Salwa Karboune, which provided an overview of the Faculty’s teaching, research, and partnerships.

Finally, the Board was informed of the topic of the next annual Joint Board-Senate meeting, scheduled for November 5, 2026. The focus of the meeting will be: “Effective Governance through Collaboration in a Time of Institutional Change.”

President’s Remarks

President Deep Saini provided an update on key university developments, framed around 91ɬ��'s four institutional priorities.

Transform

The President shared an update on construction progress at the 91ɬ�� Sustainability Park, noting that excavation, blasting, and initial geothermal energy system work are all underway. He noted that restoration of historic buildings is advancing through an active tendering phase, with academic planning continuing in parallel.

On Horizon 91ɬ��, the President provided an overview of the UniForum Effectiveness Survey, with benchmarked results expected by late summer or early fall. Furthermore, he mentioned advancements pertaining to academic and administrative transformation, including a budget model review and strengthened strategic enrolment management.

He also mentioned the launch of the Initiative for Transforming Healthcare (ITH), powered by a $5.75 million gift from Power Corporation of Canada, Canada Life, and IGM Financial. Led by Professor Samer Faraj, the initiative brings together 91ɬ��’s Faculties of Arts, Medicine and Health Sciences, and Management to address key pressures in Canada’s healthcare system.

The President highlighted the third edition of Conversations – sponsored by Charles Bronfman, which focused on artificial intelligence as a disruptive force in society. The discussion featured Prof. Yoshua Bengio, Cory Doctorow, and Astra Taylor, and was moderated by Nahlah Ayed.

Finally, the President updated the Board on the inauguration of a $24-million teaching greenhouse and the Eastern Canadian Plant Phenotyping Platform at Macdonald Campus, which will advance teaching and research on climate‑resilient agriculture.

He also mentioned the establishment of the Task Force for Macdonald Campus. The Task Force will consider academic programming, research, infrastructure, finances, and land use, with an eye toward thoughtful growth, diversification, and interdisciplinary opportunity. Updates regarding the Task Force's work will be shared periodically, with recommendations expected by year end.

Expand Globally

The President updated the Board on several recent and upcoming international engagements. He noted his participation in a visit with a delegation of Swedish university leaders in March, alongside Québec university partners and government representatives.

He also reported on the April Universities Canada Board retreat in Vancouver, where discussions focused on federal engagement on talent and research, sector-wide financial pressures — particularly around international student policy — and the importance of a unified national voice.

Finally, the President signaled his attendance at the American Association of Universities (AAU) meeting later in April. He noted that, given current U.S. research funding cuts, discussions are expected to have significant implications for Canadian universities as well.

Engage Locally

The President gave an overview of recent political and policy developments at both the federal and provincial levels.

Following April’s by-elections, the President noted that the Liberal Party of Canada secured a 174-seat majority, which is expected to support more predictable legislative planning.

He also highlighted the Government of Québec’s 2026–2027 budget, tabled on March 18, emphasizing that, despite a challenging fiscal context, university funding will increase by 5.5%, which includes a $150 million investment over five years in engineering and computer science.

The President also addressed recent legislative changes, noting that the National Assembly adopted Bill 9, An Act respecting the reinforcement of laicity in Québec, which reinforces and expands Québec’s framework on state secularism. He indicated that 91ɬ�� is continuing to assess the full implications of this new legislation.

Finally, the President spoke to recent changes in provincial leadership. On April 14, Ms. Christine Fréchette was sworn in as Québec’s 33rd premier and has since announced her cabinet. He noted key new appointments, including Mr. Ian Lafrenière as Deputy Premier, 91ɬ�� alumnus Mr. Eric Girard as Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for Infrastructure, and François Bonnardel as Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration of Québec. He also underscored the continuity of Ms. Martine Biron as Minister of Higher Education.

Unite

Under the Unite pillar, the President shared that he attended the inauguration of 91ɬ��'s Onkwehonwe Advisory Council, an Indigenous-led body established to strengthen Indigenous representation and advance the University's commitments to Truth and Reconciliation. He noted that the Council responds directly to 91ɬ��'s 52 Calls to Action and will provide ongoing guidance to leadership on building more accountable relationships with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

The Board of Governors received the following reports:

Communications

Board of Governors Highlights

The questions we ask together

deidre.mccabe@91ɬ��.Ca — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:01:41 +0000

The questions we ask together deidre.mccabe@… Thu, 04/23/2026 - 10:01

Dear members of the 91ɬ�� community,

Earlier this spring, I had the pleasure of attending a symposium hosted by the 91ɬ�� Institute for the Study of Canada, which explored artificial intelligence as the defining disruptor of our time.

The event brought together distinguished speakers, including Professor Yoshua Bengio (BEng’86, MSc’88, PhD’91), to confront the urgent question: "Who are we as humans when we build machines that are as smart as, or smarter than, we are?"

Widely regarded as “a godfather of AI,” Professor Bengio's response was simple yet profound: What matters is that we can ask the question in the first place — and that we can pursue the answer together.

In an era of accelerated automation, his words evoke something enduring about humanity: our capacity to wonder, to question, and to engage critically with one another. They remind us, as well, of our shared purpose as an academic community.

91ɬ�� has long been a place where big questions inspire, where the pursuit of knowledge is rarely an isolated act but a deeply human, collective endeavor — one that unites people across perspectives, experiences, and geographies. This is our mission, and it matters more than ever.

Throughout this year, you have advanced this mission with curiosity and creativity, with integrity and care for each other. Through your sheer humanity, you have strengthened 91ɬ�� and its impact in Montréal, across Canada, and around the world.

For all your contributions, whether as students, professors, or staff, I am deeply grateful.

As the summer approaches, I hope you will take some time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the company of the people around you. After all, it is in those moments — of conversation, of shared experience, and of unhurried time together — that some of the most interesting questions tend to find us, and we are reminded anew of why we pursue this work together.

With warmest regards,

Deep Saini
President and Vice-Chancellor
91ɬ��

Communications

Messages to Community

Highlights from the February 19, 2026 Board of Governors meeting

deidre.mccabe@91ɬ��.Ca — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 18:08:18 +0000

Highlights from the February 19, 2026 Board of Governors meeting deidre.mccabe@… Mon, 03/09/2026 - 14:08

Dear members of the 91ɬ�� Community,

It is our pleasure to provide you with an update on the recent activities of 91ɬ��’s Board of Governors. You can learn more about the Board’s mandate and membership on its website.

The Board of Governors held the second regular meeting on February 19, 2026. The full minutes of the meeting’s open session will be available following approval at the Board’s next meeting on April 23, 2026. In the meantime, we would like to share with you the meeting’s important discussions, decisions, and developments.

Thank you for your interest in the work of the Board of Governors. If you have any questions, ideas, or comments, please write to mcgill.president [at] mcgill.ca (mcgill[dot]president[at]mcgill[dot]ca).

Sincerely,

Deep Saini, President and Vice-Chancellor

Maryse Bertrand, Chair, 91ɬ�� Board of Governors

Key Updates

The Board of Governors, on the recommendation of the Finance and Infrastructure Committee, endorsed the IT Strategic Plan 2025-2028, with the understanding that each IT project that emanates from the Plan will be considered for approval in accordance with the University’s policies and governance processes.

The Plan sets out a roadmap to modernize 91ɬ��’s IT operating model in support of academic excellence, research innovation, and operational efficiency. It focuses on modernizing 91ɬ��’s core digital platforms (e.g., Banner), strengthening cybersecurity through enhanced risk-based governance and monitoring, as well as cultivating a data culture and enabling responsible AI through policy, literacy, and infrastructure.

Also from the Finance and Infrastructure Committee, the Board received an update on Horizon 91ɬ�� initiatives, including the launch of Workday Expense, a travel and expense management system that replaces the former Minerva process and is expected to streamline how staff submit, manage, and approve travel and expense claims.

From the Audit & Risk Committee, the Board was informed that the Committee had approved the External Audit Plan for the year ending April 30, 2026, as presented by Deloitte, LLP, and had endorsed the Internal Audit Strategic Plan (2026–2029), which sets out a three-year roadmap that aligns audit activities with institutional priorities and emerging risks.

The Board also received an update on cybersecurity matters, including an overview of 91ɬ��’s evolving cyber threat environment and on-going efforts to strengthen risk mitigation and safeguard institutional systems and data.

The Board of Governors was also apprised of the Joint Board–Senate Working Group on Board–Senate Cohesion, which was established following the November 2025 joint meeting of the two bodies. The Working Group is developing a survey to assess the current state of collaboration, communication, and mutual understanding between the Board and Senate, with a view of bringing forward recommendations to further strengthen shared governance at 91ɬ��.

The Board received the following presentations:

The University Advancement Annual Report, presented by Marc Weinstein, Vice-President (University Advancement), which provides an overview of UA’s FY25 financial achievements and campaign extension, as well as information on transformative gifts, donor impact, alumni activities, volunteer engagement, and communications in 2024-2025.
An overview of 91ɬ�� Libraries, including the Libraries’ Strategic Priorities (2025-2030) and recent Golden Ink exhibition, presented by Professor Guylaine Beaudry, Trenholme Dean of Libraries.

President’s Remarks

President Deep Saini provided the following updates pertaining to a range of recent developments from across 91ɬ��.

Government Relations

The President began by noting recent political developments in Québec following Premier François Legault’s resignation in early January. A leadership race within the Coalition Avenir Québec is underway, with Ministers Christine Fréchette and Bernard Drainville as the main contenders; a new leader is expected to be selected on April 12. The University is monitoring developments and will assess any potential implications for 91ɬ�� as the government’s direction becomes clearer.

He also addressed Bill 1 (Loi constitutionnelle de 2025 sur le Québec) and Bill 9 (Loi sur le renforcement de la laïcité au Québec). Bill 1 proposes constitutional changes that could strengthen parliamentary sovereignty and limit judicial review. Through the Bureau de coopération interuniversitaire (BCI), Québec’s universities have jointly raised concerns about the potential impact on institutional autonomy. Bill 9 would expand the application of secularism rules across public institutions, with some broadly drafted provisions creating uncertainty for universities. The President reaffirmed that academic freedom and institutional autonomy must remain protected.

At the federal level, the President highlighted the launch of the $1.7 billion Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program and noted that recruitment efforts are underway for a first intake this fall. He also referenced Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy, emphasizing the federal government’s recognition of research-intensive universities as key partners in advancing national security and economic sovereignty. 91ɬ�� is prepared to contribute to efforts aimed at ensuring that Canadian research excellence generates long-term impact for the country.

The President reported on a recent visit by the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, to view the progress underway at the 91ɬ�� Sustainability Park site, including its 171 geothermal wells. The visit comprises broader advocacy efforts for the project at the federal level.

The President also shared that he has joined Mayor Martinez Ferrada’s newly formed Table des partenaires sur le rayonnement et l’attractivité de Montréal, which brings together key institutions to strengthen Montréal’s international profile — an initiative aligned with 91ɬ��’s strengths as a world-class university and its “Engage Locally” strategic priority.

In this context, President Saini also noted that he will deliver an address to Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montréal on February 25, focusing on 91ɬ��’s role as a locally anchored, globally connected partner to the city's business community.

International Relations

On the international front, the President reported on a recent 13-day mission to India and the United Arab Emirates. In India, he met with partners in Delhi and Chandigarh to advance collaborations across multiple sectors and later participated in Universities Canada’s India mission in Goa, including the QS India Summit. The visit coincided with a broader series of Canadian engagements with India, including a visit by Prime Minister Carney in late-February focusing on trade.

In the United Arab Emirates, the President attended the World Governments Summit in Dubai, where 91ɬ�� signed a memorandum of understanding with the Khalifa Foundation to establish the UAE–Indonesia Future Leaders Program, supported by a $17.5 million donation. The initiative builds on longstanding partnerships in the region and will advance collaboration in priority areas including sustainability, engineering, health and teacher education.

Selected Kudos

Finally, the President concluded by highlighting a selection of outstanding recent achievements from across the 91ɬ�� community.

91ɬ�� ranked among Canada’s top three universities in 10 of 11 subjects in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject.
91ɬ�� student Jasmine Zhao is the recipient of the prestigious Schwarzman Scholarship.
Professors Siva Reddy and Katelin Schutz were named 2026 Sloan Research Fellows, a distinction awarded to outstanding early-career researchers.
More than two dozen 91ɬ�� community members served in official roles at the Milano–Cortina Winter Olympic Games, including athletes Lilah Fear and Kayla Tutino.
Under the leadership of Professors Viviane Yargeau and Christopher Manfredi, the 91ɬ�� community raised $402,000 for Centraide of Greater Montreal, surpassing its campaign goal.