Introduction
Background
Many Canadian universities have roots in religious traditions. St. Francis Xavier University’s heritage is Catholic, with particular emphasis on values of hospitality, compassion, and social justice. We are also a public institution, where students, staff, and faculty bring a wide range of religious, spiritual, and non-faith or philosophical worldviews.
Catholic heritage and character are affirmed as institutional commitments under the University Act and By-Laws. These commitments sit alongside StFX’s responsibility, as a public institution, to cultivate an environment that welcomes and supports people of all religious, spiritual, and non-faith or philosophical worldviews.
Religious Inclusion Action Plan
The Religious Inclusion Working Group has developed a draft plan intended to:
- honour the University’s Catholic heritage, as articulated in the StFX University Act;
- meet the standards of a public institution, including alignment with the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms; and
- strengthen inclusion, religious literacy, and spiritual wellness across academic, workplace, and community life at StFX.
The Draft Religious Inclusion Action Plan is designed to ensure that all community members are welcomed, respected, and supported while advancing the four Objects identified in the StFX University Act and aligning with the By-Laws of the university. The plan reflects an understanding that the search for truth and meaning extends across faith and culture, and that welcoming diverse traditions is an expression of StFX’s Catholic roots.
Religious Inclusion Working Group Community Consultation
St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) will launch a university-wide community consultation beginning January 2, inviting input on the Draft Religious Inclusion Action Plan developed by the Religious Inclusion Working Group (RIWG).
The consultation is intended to gather a broad range of perspectives from students, staff, faculty, and other members of the StFX community before the Action Plan is finalized and presented for institutional endorsement.
In advance of the formal consultation period, the draft materials are being shared with key stakeholder groups to allow time for early review and reflection.
The consultation will not reconsider heritage-related obligations established in the University’s governing documents. It may, however, explore how the expression and communication of these commitments—particularly in ceremonies and public events—can best support a welcoming, inclusive, and contemporary university community. Ceremonial inclusion is an area of diverse opinion, and the consultant will ensure these perspectives are heard in a balanced and confidential manner.
Consultation Timeline
- Advance sharing with key stakeholder groups: December
- Formal community consultation opens: January 2
- Consultant on campus for meetings: January 6–8
- Written input accepted until: January 15
The consultation will seek to test and refine recommendations across four key areas:
- Teaching, Learning, and Research Environment
- Working and Organizational Environment
- Living and Social Environment (including ceremonial inclusion and multifaith support)
- Community Environment
Independent Consultation Process
StFX has engaged Anne Comfort, an independent consultant, to lead a confidential consultation process and to gather feedback from across the university community.
The formal consultation period will run from January 2 to January 15. In advance of the formal launch, select stakeholder groups may engage in preliminary conversations with the consultant to support thoughtful review and reflection.
Anne Comfort will lead the consultation and manage all aspects of input gathering and reporting to ensure the independence and integrity of the process. Scheduling support will be provided by Hayden Fougere (hfougere@stfx.ca); however, individuals may also contact Anne directly if they prefer.
Biography of Anne Comfort
Anne Comfort retired from Mount Allison University where she held the role of VP Student Affairs.
During her almost 20 years at MtA, she developed meaningful relationships with students, faculty, staff and colleagues and built valuable connections within the post-secondary and government sectors in New Brunswick and in Canada.
She provided oversight for a significant area of Mount Allison University (Mt.A) including but not limited to health, wellness, accessibility, athletics, experiential learning and spiritual care.
She provided leadership for mental health framework/strategies, as well as the merging of health, counselling, and accessibility to raise the focus on campus.
She was a Key member of the President’s Executive Team tasked with providing oversight and direction to Student Affairs Senior Leadership group and providing strategic leadership to the university.
Consultation Documents
- Draft Religious Inclusion Action Plan Consultation Document (PDF)
- Independent Consultation Terms of Reference (PDF)
- Religious & Spiritual Inclusion – Definitions of Key Terms
These materials are being shared now for early review by key stakeholder groups and will remain available throughout the formal consultation period beginning January 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the consultation take place?
The formal consultation period will open in January, with opportunities to provide feedback both in writing and through meetings with the independent consultant.
Is StFX changing its Catholic heritage?
No. Catholic heritage is protected through the University Act and By-Laws.
The consultation builds upon this foundation; it does not revise or reduce it.
Why is StFX expanding multifaith and non-faith supports?
To meet the needs of a diverse community, strengthen belonging and wellness, and uphold Canadian norms of inclusive religious freedom. At this stage, the proposed supports have been envisioned to be additive, building on existing services. Feedback from the consultation will help inform how these supports are best structured and resourced moving forward.
Will ceremonial practices change?
Ceremonial practices are within scope for consultation. Feedback will inform next steps. No decisions have been made.
Will my feedback be anonymous?
Yes. Individual feedback to the consultant is confidential. Only aggregated themes will be shared.
How to Participate
The formal consultation period opens January 2 and remains open through January 15. Participation is entirely voluntary, and there are several ways to contribute.
Written submissions
Written feedback may be submitted directly to the consultant at @email at any time during the consultation period.
Meetings with the consultant
Anne Comfort will be on campus January 6–8 for individual or small-group meetings. Online meetings may also be arranged.
Requests for meetings may be submitted in advance, including during the early sharing period in December; meetings will be scheduled during the formal consultation window or at a mutually agreed time.
Individual input will not be attributed in the consultant’s report.
Questions?
For questions about the upcoming consultation process, please contact:
Elizabeth Yeo, Chair
Religious Inclusion Working Group
@email
