AVC labs granted ISO-17025 accreditation from Standards Council of Canada

The Atlantic Veterinary College鈥檚 (AVC) Regional Diagnostic Virology Services (RDVS) Laboratory and the Toxicology and Analytical Services (TAS) Laboratory have achieved ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accreditation with the Standards Council of Canada (SCC).
 
鈥淚SO-17025 accreditation demonstrates to the world that we are operating under globally recognized standards,鈥 says Elizabeth Dobbin, director of AVC Diagnostic Services. Both of the newly accredited labs fall under AVC Diagnostic Services, which offers tests and services across eight laboratory sections, encompassing domestic, aquatic, exotic, and wildlife species.
 
SCC accreditation is not easy to attain. In the case of the RDVS and TAS labs, the process took over three years, culminating in a three-day visit by SCC representatives who inspected every inch of the labs鈥攆rom documentation and instruments to testing methodology. And this is not the end of the process. To maintain the accreditation status, SCC representatives will return in September 2015 for another inspection and then every two years after that.
 
Accreditation of the RDVS and TAS labs strengthens the already excellent reputation of AVC Diagnostic Services overall and opens up new opportunities, says Dobbin. Clients look for ISO-17025 certified labs first, so the accreditation expands the potential client base for the service. It also means, for example, that results from the accredited labs are recognized by government and other regulatory bodies, and also that they will stand up in a court of law.
 
While the ISO-17025 accreditation standard is applicable to the RDVS and TAS labs overall, says Dobbin, they are currently accredited for five testing methods. In order to have a testing method added to the scope of accredited methods, the SCC conducts an intensive inspection of the labs involved. Two more methods will be added during the SCC site inspection next fall and more in future visits.
 
AVC鈥檚 attainment of SCC ISO-17025 accreditation was completed in part through a 2010 project under the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency鈥檚 Atlantic Innovation Fund, involving the development of new innovative delivery mechanisms and improvements in the efficiency of the College鈥檚 diagnostic services.
 
For more information about AVC Diagnostic Services, please contact Elizabeth Dobbin, director, at (902) 566-0831 or edobbin@upei.ca
 
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Background:
 
ISO/IEC 17025:2005 is an internationally accepted standard to demonstrate technical competence in laboratories performing specific tests, calibrations and/or measurements. ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization headquartered in Switzerland. The IEC term stands for the International Electrotechnical Commission.
 
The SCC provides accreditation services to laboratories in Canada. It assesses factors relevant to a lab鈥檚 ability to produce precise accurate test and calibration data, including the technical competence of staff verified through regular proficiency testing or inter-laboratory comparisons; validity and use of appropriate test methods; traceability of measurements and calibrations to national standards such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology; suitability, calibration and maintenance of test equipment; quality assurance of test and calibration results; testing environment, sampling, handling and transportation of test samples; and communication with customers and the need to gain feedback and continual improvement.
 
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Public talk: Innovation鈥攁t the core of value creation

UPEI's Executive MBA Program, in partnership with Island Advance and the PEI BioAlliance, is hosting a public talk by Jacques D茅nomm茅e, a founding partner of AXIAStrategists, a collaborative platform of strategic advisors with more than 30 years of experience in team management. The talk is entitled 'Innovation: at the Core of Value Creation' and takes place at 6:30 pm, Wednesday, April 29 in the Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium, room 242 of UPEI's Don and Marion McDougall Hall. The event will also include a Q & A session.

What drives value within the entrepreneurial journey? The development of a good product and a superior ability to deliver its benefits to clients is central to good business practices. However, that formula may be the demise of a business if it is not constantly challenged by the possibilities emerging from the business environment.

D茅nomm茅e will explore the role of dynamic innovation in business sustainability, discuss the primary challenges to an innovative culture, and examine tools and practices to assist businesses in maximizing value creation.

Prior to founding AXIAStrategists, D茅nomm茅e was an investment partner with a leading Canadian venture capital fund. He has held key board positions and participated in the development of various Canadian companies, such as Miranda Technologies, Metrowerks, Optosecurity, Netistix (BSM), T茅l茅cit茅 and Sciemetrics. Jacques is also heavily involved in several innovative platforms such as NSERC program i2i, Devtech (Quebec International), and University Business Games. He regularly lectures at McGill's Desautels Faculty of Management, Universit茅 Laval, and Hautes 脡tudes Commerciales on the theme of value creation and sustainable economic development through the creation of innovative ecosystems. He is also the author of The Business Paradox, published by Friesen Press.

For more information: 902-566-6474 or mba@upei.ca.

Universities Canada unveils new name and look

The 69传媒 is proud to be a member of , formerly known as AUCC or the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada. Today, at its national meeting of university presidents in Halifax, NS, the organization unveiled its new brand.

The considerations that led to the evolution from AUCC to Universities Canada / Universit茅s Canada included the need for clarity about the organization's mandate and role. Universities Canada's mission is to foster and promote the interests of higher education and university research. It participates in the development of public policy to find solutions to the economic and social challenges facing Canada. Universities Canada works closely with governments, private sector and the public to raise the profile of higher education.

The ability to adapt the new look to highlight key words and values truly reflects the innovative, focused and dynamic nature of the organization-the new name and look are bold and timeless. From an international perspective, the move to Universities Canada / Universit茅s Canada reflects the global trend by sister organizations, such as Universities UK and Universities Australia.

View a for additional insights into the evolution and development of the new Universities Canada brand.

The 69传媒Panthers Care at SUBWAY today!

69传媒student-athletes are showing that 'Panthers care' at SUBWAY庐 locations across the province today as part of SUBWAY庐 Cares for Kids Day.

The event is an initiative of SUBWAY庐 Canada in partnership with Children's Miracle Network. On Thursday, April 23, SUBWAY庐 Restaurants on PEI will be accepting donations in support of the Maritime's local Children's Miracle Network member hospital, the IWK Health Centre.

Approximately 30 members of 69传媒Panther teams will be in SUBWAY庐 Restaurants from Summerside to Montague, handing out free cookie coupons to thank patrons who have donated to the campaign.

Four honorary degrees to be conferred at May convocation

The 69传媒 announced today that four Islanders will receive honorary Doctor of Laws degrees at Convocation 2015. Honorary degrees will be conferred upon retired business leader and Senator, and former PEI premier, The Honourable Catherine Callbeck; multiple award-winning singer-songwriter Lennie Gallant; retired educator, and former MLA, Leader of the Official Opposition, and Provincial Treasurer Patricia Mella; and beloved pastor, member of the Queens County Fiddlers, retired 69传媒professor, and former 69传媒chaplain Father Charlie Cheverie.

'Each honorary degree recipient exemplifies success in their chosen field, whether it be politics, business, education, religious life, or arts and culture,' said President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. 'We are so excited to honour these distinguished individuals who have contributed so much to their communities. As our graduates begin to imagine how their education will lead to their own success, they will be inspired by the stories of how our honorary graduands have made their mark.'

The University's Senate approved the honorary graduands at a meeting earlier this year in accordance with University policy that states that honorary doctorates of laws will be presented to individuals who display the highest levels of achievement in public and community service.

The Honourable Catherine Callbeck has a long and active involvement in business, politics, and charitable and public service groups at all levels, and is a woman of many firsts and honours. She received her early education Central Bedeque and Summerside, later receiving degrees from Mount Allison University and Dalhousie University. After a period of teaching, Ms. Callbeck returned to PEI where she became involved with the family business-Callbeck's Limited and Callbeck's Furniture. She was the second woman ever elected to the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island and, from 1974-78, served as the first female Minister of Health and Social Services, Minister Responsible for the Disabled, and Minister Responsible for Non-Status Indians. In 1988, she was the first woman elected as the Member of Parliament for Malpeque, making her the second woman ever to be elected to the House of Commons from PEI. She returned to provincial politics in 1993 when she was elected Leader of the Liberal Party of PEI, and soon after, the first woman in Canada to be elected as Premier. In 1997, she was called to the Senate of Canada and retired in July 2014.

Father Charlie Cheverie is one of PEI's most respected citizens. He was educated at Saint Dunstan's University, Holy Heart Seminary, and the Catholic University of America, where he received a doctorate in biology. He was ordained as Roman Catholic priest in 1957 and in 1959, he began an outstanding career of teaching and research at Saint Dunstan's University, and its successor, UPEI. Following his retirement from teaching in 1997, he served as Chaplain at UPEI. 'Father Charlie' also served as a commissioned officer and military chaplain in the Canadian Armed Forces. His devotion to the province and to the well-being of its people has been demonstrated in many ways, through his promotion of traditional music, his efforts to sustain and protect the natural environment, and, of course, by his dedication as a teacher. His leadership is a special blend of personal example, wisdom, and general insight into the ways of people. Over the years, he has received numerous awards-for example, the Rotary Mentor Award and Order of PEI-and was conferred as Professor Emeritus and named a 69传媒Founder in 2009.

Lennie Gallant, a native of Rustico and graduate of UPEI, has been fully engaged for more than four decades in his career as a singer, songwriter, musician, and producer. He has recorded ten albums (eight in English and two in French), which have won him a host of awards and nominations from the Juno, East Coast Music, Canadian Folk Music, 脡toile, and 脡loize awards. He has received numerous honours including the Order of Canada, Red Cross Humanitarian Award and 69传媒Distinguished Alumni Award. Mr. Gallant and his band have toured North America and Europe in both acoustic settings and with symphony orchestras, while over 30 artists from around the world have recorded his songs. His hard-hitting lyrics, chronicling the lives of people dealing with tremendous adversity and serious issues, articulate the feelings of many caught up in desperate situations. At the same time, his musical stories celebrate the beauty of lifestyle and landscape with their stirring poetry. He is very generous with his time and talent but is best known for his work with UNESCO and World Vision.

Patricia Mella is a retired educator and politician who continues to serve her Island community. Born in Port Hill, Ms. Mella received her early education in Bloomfield and Kinkora and graduated in 1965 from St. Dunstan's University with a major in English. She received her Master's Degree in Medical Sociology from the Catholic University of America and, in 1973, a Bachelor of Education from UPEI. Ms. Mella enjoyed an extensive teaching career in Washington, DC; Ottawa and Kingston, Ontario; and Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. She returned to PEI in 1979, teaching Political Science and English at four Charlottetown area schools-Colonel Gray, Queen Charlotte, Birchwood, and Charlottetown Rural. Elected Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of PEI in 1990, she became Leader of the Official Opposition in 1993. In 1996, she became the Provincial Treasurer and Chair of Treasury Board and later was appointed Minister Responsible for the PEI Public Service Commission, PEI Liquor Control Commission, PEI Lending Agency, and Status of Women. She has served on a number of community organizations including the Teachers Federation of PEI, Southport/Bunbury/Crossroads Recreation Commission, Forum for Young Canadians Symposium, and Charlottetown Christian Council (as president).

The Convocation ceremonies will take place on Saturday, May 9 in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre with the first ceremony beginning at 10:00 am and the afternoon ceremony at 2:30 pm. Callbeck will address the morning convocation while Mella will speak during the afternoon ceremony.

Convocation 2015 Mass 鈥 All are welcome!

Charlottetown, PEI (April 30, 2015)-69传媒 graduates, their families, and friends are invited to a gathering to celebrate, in prayer and song, the accomplishments of the Class of 2015.

Sunday, May 3, 2015 at 5:00 pm (note new time)
Steel Recital Hall, UPEI

Family invitations will not be sent out this year so please help spread the word.

For further information, contact Sister Susan Kidd, CND, Campus Minister at sukidd@upei.ca or 902-894-2876.

"Island to island" benefit for Vanuatu

The 69传媒Island Studies Student Association (ISSA) and the Institute of Island Studies (IIS) present an "Island to Island Benefit" for Vanuatu at Hot Shots Lounge on Longworth Avenue Saturday, May 2, starting at 8 p.m.

The island nation of Vanuatu was recently hit by Cyclone Pam, destroying much of its infrastructure and housing. 69传媒faculty member Dr. Jean Mitchell (Anthropology) has spent time researching on those islands, working with youth and locals. ISSA and the IIS want to connect Islanders here with Islanders there, to show our support and solidarity. Funds raised will support a youth project on the island of Tanna.

Says ISSA Acting President Katharine MacDonald, "After this winter, we know as Islanders how harsh weather can be. This season has been rough for Vanuatu as well. The students, faculty and staff in Island Studies want to show solidarity and support from Islanders to Islanders, and build some long-lasting relationships there. Dr. Mitchell has worked closely with the Cultural Centre on Tanna, and we're excited to help it support its community again."

Acts include Bonnie LeClair; Mike Mooney, Laurie Brinklow and Sean Kemp; Aster; Iain McCarvill; Pete Forbes and band; and Mitch Schurman.

Cover is by donation ($5 suggested); everyone nineteen and over is welcome!

Panther Rugby welcomes Anneke Dykerman

The 69传媒 Women's Rugby coach Shannon Atkins is excited to announce that Anneke Dykerman has agreed to join the Panthers in September 2015.

Dykerman currently attends Colonel Gray High School and has been a member of the Colonel Rugby team for three years. During her grade 10 year, Dykerman was selected as a league All-Star/MVP and, in grade 11, a league All-Star. Dykerman has played with the U18 provincial rugby team for two years.

A multi-sport athlete, Dykerman was also a member of the Colonel Gray field hockey team and is the recipient of three league All-Star awards. Dykerman has played organized hockey for 12 years, participating in major tournaments such as the Atlantic Provinces and national championships. Academically, Dykerman maintains an honours average and always make time for her studies.

Dykerman says, 'I'm honoured and excited to be able to bring my skills and dedication as a student-athlete to Panther Rugby and 69传媒for the next four years.'

'It is exciting to have a new, young, dynamic player such as Anneke added to the team,' adds Coach Atkins. 'Her speed and aggression will be a welcome bonus in the 2015 season."

Dykerman is studying foods and nutrition and has the goal of becoming a registered dietician.

About 69传媒Athletics and Recreation

  • Nine varsity sports and six club team programs
  • Proud member of the AUS and CIS
  • Athletic facilities include: Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, 69传媒Alumni Canada Games Place
  • Home of Panther Sports Medicine
  • Other facilities available to students and the community at large include: fitness centre, squash and racquetball courts, competition and leisure pool with hot tub, and two ice arenas

More than 900 69传媒students set to graduate at Convocation 2015!

Years of hard work, study, and creativity culminate at the 2015 convocation ceremonies being held Saturday, May 9 at the 69传媒. More than 900 students will be awarded degrees and diplomas at two separate ceremonies: the first beginning at 10:00 am and the second at 2:30 pm at the 69传媒Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre.

The University will also confer honorary Doctor of Laws degrees to four recipients: The Honourable Catherine Callbeck, senator and former premier; Lennie Gallant, a multiple award-winning singer-songwriter; Patricia Mella, a former MLA, leader of the Official Opposition, and Provincial Treasurer; and Father Charlie Cheverie, beloved pastor, member of the Queens County Fiddlers, retired professor, and former 69传媒chaplain.

Seating is limited due to safety regulations at both the morning and afternoon ceremonies; guests must present invitations at the door in order to be admitted to the Sports Centre. Overflow seating and live broadcasts of both ceremonies are available in McMillan Hall in the W. A. Murphy Student Centre. The ceremonies will also be broadcast live on Eastlink TV and online at .

Convocation Day is a special and memorable one for graduates and their family and friends. As each graduate begins the next chapter of their lives, we salute the dedication that brought them here.

69传媒Convocation 2015: More than 940 cross the stage, including UPEI鈥檚 first Kinesiology grads and two PhDs in Education

A complete list of and are available online. Eastlink TV will rebroadcast the morning ceremony on Saturday, May 16 at 10 am. The afternoon ceremony will be rebroadcast at 2:30 pm.

The 69传媒 conferred degrees, diplomas, and certificates to more than 940 graduates today, as part of Convocation 2015. Among them were the first graduating students from UPEI's Bachelor of Science (Kinesiology) program, and the first two PhDs from the Faculty of Education.

The families and friends of the Class of 2015 gathered for two ceremonies today in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, the first at 10:00 am, and the second at 2:30 pm.

69传媒Chancellor Don McDougall led both ceremonies; President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alaa Abd-El Aziz addressed both ceremonies with words of celebration and welcome.

'As a community, we are proud of your commitment to your studies and your achievements,' said Dr. Abd-El-Aziz. 'In the spirit of community, we humbly acknowledge that you have not come to this point on your own. Look around and find your family, friends, teachers, and mentors who have encouraged and supported you along your journey. On behalf of the 69传媒community, including more than 23,000 alumni around the world, congratulations.'

The University also conferred honorary Doctor of Laws degrees to four recipients: The Honourable Catherine Callbeck, senator and former premier; Lennie Gallant, a multiple award-winning singer-songwriter; Patricia Mella, a former MLA, leader of the Official Opposition, and Provincial Treasurer; and, Father Charlie Cheverie, beloved pastor, member of the Queens County Fiddlers, retired professor, and former 69传媒chaplain. Callbeck addressed the morning convocation ceremony; Mella spoke in the afternoon.

'Don't be a bystander,' advised Callbeck to the morning convocation. She then spoke words that she first uttered in 1974 at her first political nomination meeting: 'The strength of our society rests on the willingness and the ability of its citizens to share in the decisions which affect it.
Mella, speaking to the afternoon ceremony, welcomed the graduates into a group of alumni from 69传媒and its predecessor institutions: Prince of Wales College and St. Dunstan's University. 'You are joining men and women who live and work in all corners of the globe. You will be our ambassadors; you are our marketing team. Be proud of your own accomplishments, and be proud of your alma mater.

Ryan McCarvill of Kensington, who graduated with his Bachelor of Business Administration, was valedictorian of the morning convocation ceremony. Derrick Biso of Charlottetown, who earned his Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy), addressed the afternoon convocation.

69传媒held its annual Senior Class Awards at a ceremony the day before, where a number of academic and student prizes were awarded. The complete list will be posted in the coming days at . The Governor General's Academic Medals were presented during convocation ceremonies by the Honourable H. Frank Lewis, Lieutenant Governor of PEI. The Governor General's Gold Medal (graduate level) was awarded to Brittany Jakubiec, who graduated with her Masters of Education. The Governor General's Silver Medal (undergraduate level) was awarded to Michelle Trenholme, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology.

Best wishes to all graduates!