Straw steps in

by Pascal Zamprelli The McGill Institute for the Study of Canada (MISC) has announced that Professor Antonia Maioni, Director of the Institute since 2001, has been re-appointed to the position for a four-year term effective July 2008. Until then, Maioni will be on sabbatical leave, during which time Professor William Straw, former Chair of McGill's Department of Art History and Communication Studies, will step in to steer the good ship MISC.

While she will be sorely missed at the MISC, Maioni won't be going too far next year. She sees it as an opportunity to work on some writing projects, which she will be doing based at McGill's Institute for Health and Social Policy. "I'll be working on two books," she said, "one on the courts and health care with [Dean of Arts] Chris Manfredi, and another on health care reform. Basically, I'm staying put so I can do some writing."

Maioni is "delighted" with the choice of Professor Straw, one of Canada's most prominent analysts of culture and cultural policy, as Acting Director. He has a longstanding involvement with the MISC and, for Maioni, has "always been an important part of our work. He brings to the Institute an emphasis on cultural issues, an exciting and innovative aspect of the study of Canada."

Indeed, during Straw's tenure, MISC projects such as its annual conference in February will likely focus on Canadian culture and its place in the world. He is now busy planning ways to build on the Institute's already stellar reputation: "I'd like to hold more events out in the city, increase community involvement, and enhance MISC's profile amongst students," he explained. "MISC is a real treasure at McGill—I hope to make good use of it. I'm looking forward to working with the fantastic staff and continuing Antonia's work."

Professor Straw will take up his appointment on June 1st.