News briefs
President of U of O implicated in email contempt
WITH NEW EVIDENCE on file, the Canadian Press published an article on June 29 in the Toronto Star holding the University of Ottawa’s president, Allan Rock, responsible for the controversial email sent to Ann Coulter before her scheduled appearance last spring.
The email—sent by Francois Houle, vice-president academic and provost at the university—warned Coulter about Canada’s laws on freedom of expression, including the restrictions against promoting hatred towards identifiable groups. Although Houle took responsibility for the email when it was made public by Coulter, university records obtained under Ontario’s freedom-of-information law reveal the email was sent at Rock’s request.
“You, Francois, as Provost, should write immediately to Coulter informing her of our domestic laws ... You should urge her to respect that Canadian tradition as she enjoys the privilege of her visit.”
In addition to urging Houle to write the letter, Rock's correspondance contained some choice words about Coulter, describing her as being “a mean-spirited, small minded, foul-mouthed poltroon. She is the loud mouth that bespeaks the vacant mind.”
— Katherine DeClerq
Former U of O president appointed Member of the Order of Canada
GILLES G. PATRY, former professor of civil engineering and president emeritus at the University of Ottawa, will be given recognition for his countless years of academic service, as well as his contributions to the expansion and development of the community. Later this year, he will be honoured by the Governor General, Michaëlle Jean, in a ceremony where he will be appointed a member of the Order of Canada. The Order of Canada recognizes those who have dedicated themselves to their country and community, and is one of the highest Canadian honours awarded.
—Katherine DeClerq
U of O professor to receive $500,000 in funding
A GRANT HAS been awarded to Professor Xudong Cao, a research scientist in the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Ottawa. The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) has offered Cao $500,000 to develop a new treatment for spinal cord regeneration. With approximately 400,000 people living with spinal cord injuries in North America, Cao’s research could provide to alternative stem cell therapy—ultimately facilitating cell reparation in numerous organ systems.
—Katherine DeClerq
Lisa Laflamme to become CTV News anchor
LISA LAFLAMME, A University of Ottawa alumni, has recently been promoted to replace Lloyd Robertson as CTV’s top news anchor. Laflamme, winner of the U of O Meritas-Tabaret Award for Alumni Achievement on Nov. 25, 2009, has repeatedly stated that “to follow in the footsteps of Lloyd Robertson is an enormous honour and extremely humbling.” After spending years travelling the globe reporting on Canadian troops in Afghanistan and the events of 9/11, in addition to co-hosting the Vancouver Olympics daytime coverage, Laflamme is ready to take on the big chair.
—Katherine DeClerq
U of O student recognized for work with youth
NATALIE ANDREWS, A biochemistry master’s student at the University of Ottawa, will be receiving the Canadian Institute of Health Research Synapse Award, a national honour given to those who have contributed to health research among high school students. Andrews works with youth at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute Cancer Centre, leading them through numerous experiments involving DNA and cancer cells. Andrews created the program to make students aware of the disease and what is being done to help cure it. With only three awards given out annually, Andrews is honoured by the acknowledgement.
“It validates all of the hard work I've done and makes me feel like I have made a difference,” Andrews said in an interview with the Ottawa Citizen. “Nothing is more important than getting younger kids interested and knowledgeable about scientific research.”
—Katherine DeClerq
