On October 12, 2012, the IRC commemorated a diamond milestone: 75 years of industrial relations at Queen’s University. Among the distinguished guests at the celebratory event were Queen’s University Principal, Daniel Woolf, and former IRC Directors, Carol Beatty and Don Carter. In addition, several Queen’s faculty members, IRC alumni, facilitators, and staff were also in attendance. The afternoon provided an opportunity to reflect on the IRC’s history, its accomplishments, and the many individuals and organizations that have been instrumental in shaping the Centre’s journey.
IRC Director, Paul Juniper, began his talk by acknowledging the contributions of his team: “We wouldn’t have had 75 years of achievements without an excellent staff.” He also discussed the IRC’s national presence: “I’m proud to say that last year we were able to offer programs in Victoria, Calgary, Banff, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Regina, Winnipeg, Toronto, Kingston, and St. John’s, Newfoundland. The issue we are facing right now is not one of demand, but one of capacity.”
Principal Daniel Woolf congratulated the IRC on its success. “I’m particularly thrilled with the fact that theory and practice have come together so well at the Centre,” he commented. Referring to the IRC as a “Queen’s University jewel,” Principal Woolf said: “I am delighted that the Centre has grown and prospered under its Directors and has become not only a Kingston feature but a national institution.”
According to Principal Woolf, “the IRC’s next 75 years are going to be even better.” Indeed, the IRC’s newly launched Advanced Human Resources Certificate and programs in Succession Planning, Strategic Grievance Handling, and Managing Unionized Environments are examples of the exciting changes underway at the Centre, as it continues to target the professional development needs of human resources, labour relations, and organizational development practitioners across Canada.
>>View the Video from our celebratory event
>>Download our Commemorative History of the past 75 years.
