In an interview with The Hub, McGill University President Dr Deep Saini discusses the challenges currently facing universities in Canada. The interview touches on several topics, including the international relationship between Canada and the US, immigration, and the role that universities play in supporting the economic and social wellbeing of the country. Saini also speaks to the importance of academic freedom and debate on campus—especially with difficult topics such as international conflict—and the responsibility that universities have in supporting and facilitating difficult conversations. Turning to McGill, Saini discusses the university’s unique role in supporting Canadian unity by providing students from other provinces or territories with an avenue to either become a part of Québec or become “lifelong ambassadors” for the province.
