News Briefs

New research opportunities

Dalhousie signed an affiliation agreement with the Centre for Drug Research and Development (CDRD) on Nov. 22, opening a new door for the school’s scientific researchers.

The CDRD’s mission, according to cdrd.ca, is “to be a global leader in translating academic discoveries into new medicines”. The organization is funded by the Canadian government, several universities and other institutions, and unites members ranging from co-op students to scientists and technicians to further drug research and development.

Joining alongside five other affiliated universities, Dal now has access to the CDRD’s capital and human resources, and vice versa. The opportunity will “augment (the) strengths” of “our world-class researchers,” Kevin Dunn, Acting Executive Director of Industry Liaison and Innovation at Dal told the CDRD.

Urban farm downtown?

Halifax may see agriculture in place of the unused, former Queen Elizabeth high school on Robie Street — at least temporarily.

A forum was held at the Atlantica Hotel on Nov. 21 to discuss the possibility of using the space of the building, set to be torn down in spring 2011, as an interim urban farm site.

Capital Health sees this as an opportunity to “make a bold statement toward promoting healthy food choices,” Brian Rankin of Capital Health’s Partners for Care program told CBC.

Capital District Health Authority has yet to make a long-term decision about the site.

Ignatieff in town

Federal Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff joined the controversial convention centre debate in Halifax on Nov. 25, though he didn’t contribute much.

A town hall meeting was held concerning the provincial government’s $160 million project proposal to replace the current World Trade and Convention Centre. As opposition leader, Ignatieff was asked his opinion on federal funding for the project.

He played it safe by saying that he would need business plan details and consideration of similar proposals across the country before casting his opinion, according to the Chronicle Herald. The federal government may take a similar approach, though the NS government is still waiting for a response.

Universities forced to open their books

Nova Scotia Finance Minister Graham Steele introduced the Public Sector Compensation Disclosure Act on Nov. 26, which will mean a broader look at what happens with provincial taxpayers’ money.

The new act will allow for information on universities and other private institutions that receive funding from the government. Salaries of civil servants in these areas that are $100,000 or more will be publicly disclosed. Some employees at universities may even fall under the legislation, for example doctors employed at Dal’s medical school. The first report under the act is set for the 2011-12 fiscal year.

-Samantha Ostrov, Staff Contributor