Letter from Hon. John MacDonell, Minister of Agriculture:

On May 20 I was pleased to meet with leaders, managers, and staff of the Nova Scotia Agricultural College to share personally the province’s decision to pursue an exciting new partnership for NSAC. The province has opened formal discussion on a merger between NSAC and Dalhousie University.

Nova Scotia Agricultural College has been at the centre of economic growth and academic quality for Bible Hill/Truro and for the province for over 100 years. It has attracted some of the brightest minds in research and innovation for the agriculture and agri-food sector. It has turned out thousands of graduates that have become leaders in their fields and in their communities. And it has provided hundreds of good jobs for local families.

It is this success that has attracted a merger with Dalhousie University, a leading research-intensive Atlantic university with a world-class reputation. This is a change in direction from the Crown Corporation, and we believe this merger further positions NSAC as a national centre of excellence for applied research and innovation in agriculture.

We believe that together, Dalhousie and NSAC can more effectively compete with similar institutions on a national and international stage. Most agriculture schools in Canada have links with other large universities. The Agricultural College already has many close ties with Dalhousie. A merger will allow us to strengthen those ties and offers potential to build and enhance programs at both campuses.

Details of how the discussions will unfold are still to be confirmed. However, I want to assure you that the needs of staff will be a priority for the province as discussions/negotiations take place. I am personally committed to ensuring you have a voice in the process and that you will be kept well informed throughout. I also want to assure you that until discussions are complete, all academic programs and processes will continue as normal.

Over the coming weeks my staff will be back on the campus to share details on the discussion process as details become available. Should you have any questions or concerns, please pass them along through your manager and we will do our best to address them in a timely manner.

This collaboration is a great opportunity for NSAC and Dalhousie University, and I look forward to the advantages it will bring to the people of Bible Hill/Truro and all Nova Scotians.

Sincerely,
Hon. John MacDonell, Minister