Public Communication Guidelines for Universities

On this page

Chairholders' Official Titles

The title of each Chair must include the term "Canada 150 Research Chair." The chairholder may use this title from the effective date of his or her appointment for the duration of the award.

Note: In keeping with standard Government of Canada practice, the appointment cannot be released to the media or formally announced until the Government of Canada has made its official public announcement (see below).

Public announcements of Chair appointments

Can we publicly announce the appointment of our chairholders as soon as we receive confirmation of their awards?

In keeping with standard Government of Canada practice, Canada 150 Research Chairs appointments cannot be released to the media or formally announced by institutions or chairholders until the Government of Canada has made its official public announcement. These public announcements are held two times a year and are done in consultation with universities in order to gain maximum media exposure for all involved. Prior to this first public announcement, Canada 150 Research Chair appointments are confidential and should not be formally released to the public in any form.

However, in order to ensure that this policy does not prevent chairholders from meeting their research objectives, if there is a lag time between the effective start date of their appointments and the public announcement, they may “informally” use their titles during this time (i.e., when recruiting students, on business cards, at conferences, on their CVs, when applying for research funding, on their personal websites, etc.).

When can we hold public announcements at our university?

You may schedule a public announcement or event after the Government of Canada's national announcement.

Do we have to inform the Canada 150 Research Chairs' communications staff about our public announcement?

Yes. We ask that all universities inform us of their plans for Chairs-related announcements and events.

Specifically, universities should determine the format and timing of these events in consultation with the communications division at communications@chairs-chaires.gc.ca. Please give as much notice as possible before an event – preferably a month.

Does a Government of Canada representative need to be present at a public announcement held at a university?

A Government of Canada representative should be invited to public announcements and other major chairholder-related university events. In most instances, your local MP or regional minister will represent the Government of Canada.

Before inviting Government of Canada officials, please contact: communications@chairs-chaires.gc.ca.

Please note that the likelihood of securing a local MP or minister to attend your event is greatly increased if the event is held when the House of Commons is not sitting.

Media and publicity

Do we need to share Chairs-related public announcements, public relations materials and media coverage with Canada 150 Research Chairs' communications staff?

Although not a requirement, we do welcome your materials on Chairs-related news and events, as well as the media coverage they generate. Please send them to us at communications@chairs-chaires.gc.ca.

Do we need to share Chairs-related advertising with Canada 150 Research Chairs' communications staff?

Although not a requirement, we do welcome copies of Chairs-related advertising. Please send them to us at communications@chairs-chaires.gc.ca.

Do we need to provide a hyperlink to the Canada 150 Research Chairs website on our website and electronic public relations materials?

Yes. We ask that all universities provide a link to the Canada 150 Research Chairs website (https://www.canada150.chairs-chaires.gc.ca) on both their university's website and any electronic public relations materials, including new releases, emails and newsletters. By doing this, you are reinforcing the partnership between the program and the universities and directing people to the primary source of information for the program.


Date modified: