Philip Steenkamp has been appointed to a second five-year term as president and vice-chancellor of Royal Roads University.
“I look forward to continuing to work with students, faculty, staff, and partners, and to delivering on our vision to inspire people with the courage to transform the world,” Steenkamp said in a statement.
“In many ways, the world doesn’t look remotely as it did when I first joined Royal Roads, and I am invigorated by the challenges and possibilities that the post-secondary sector and our students will be facing.”
Steenkamp is a driving force behind the new West Shore campus, now under construction in downtown Langford. He helped secure $88 million in funding from local and provincial governments to build the first-of-its-kind collaborative post-secondary partnership with the University of Victoria and Camosun College. It will include program space for the Justice Institute of British Columbia and School District 62 (Sooke).
In preparation for the opening of the new campus, Steenkamp oversaw the development of a new undergraduate curriculum designed to respond to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
He also oversaw development of an Indigenous education and engagement strategy, the university said.
“Dr. Steenkamp has proven himself as an exceptional president, helping Royal Roads University establish itself as an institution of choice, inspiring innovation and fostering the value of lifelong learning,” said Nelson Chan, chancellor and chair of the Royal Roads University board.
Public workers and Nanaimo agree to labour deal
The City of Nanaimo and the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 401, representing 600 members, have agreed to a new three-year collective agreement retroactive to Jan. 1 of this year.
It includes wage increases of four per cent for this year and again next year, plus 3.5 per cent for 2025. The previous contract expired at the end of December last year.
In addition to wage increases, the new agreement includes changes to support recruitment and retention of aquatics staff, scheduling improvements for those workers, and enhanced mental health benefits.
The contract is consistent with other local government contract settlements, the city said.
“With this new collective agreement, we look forward to continuing our strong relationship with city employees and the union that represents them,” said Mayor Leonard Krog.
“The settlement is fair and reasonable for both sides.”
Local 401 president Blaine Gurrie said the deal is fair for members and recognizes the need to recruit new staff. “Our members are proud of the work they do and the tenor of bargaining indicated to us that the employer recognizes the contribution that those employees make to keeping our municipal services some of the best you will find anywhere,” Gurrie said.
