2007 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences May 26, 2007

The University of Saskatchewan will host the 2007 Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences -- Canada’s largest annual multidisciplinary academic meeting and thelargest conference ever held in Saskatoon.

The eight-day Congress 2007 – May 26th to June 2nd -- is expected to attract 5,000 to 6,000 delegates, generating local economic impact in excess of $3.5 million and extensive national media attention.
“Congress 2007 is a rare opportunity for the U of S and it will be the centerpiece of our U of S centennial celebrations,” said U of S President Peter MacKinnon.

“This major national event will showcase our university, our city and our province and
will have long-term economic, social, cultural and educational benefits to Saskatoon and
the province as a whole.”
The Congress 2007 theme is “Bridging Communities: Making public knowledge –
Making knowledge public.” Through a series of academic and cultural events on campus,
the Congress will place special emphasis on women, equity issues, Saskatchewan’s
Aboriginal heritage and U of S partnerships with Aboriginal Peoples.
The U of S has hosted Congress only twice before – in 1959 and in 1979. Congress is
hosted in co-operation with the Canadian Federation of the Humanities and Social
Sciences, an umbrella organization of 68 scholarly associations and 73 post-secondary
institutions and comprising more than 30,000 scholars, students and practitioners across
Canada.
“We are delighted that the University of Saskatchewan put forward such an impressive
bid for the Congress,” says Donald Fisher, the Federation’s President. “Linking Congress
to the University’s centenary celebrates two uniquely Canadian institutions – both with
esteemed traditions and great plans for the future. We’re looking forward to an
extraordinary effort this year.”
The University’s bid was supported by the Province of Saskatchewan, the City of
Saskatoon, Tourism Saskatoon, and the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development
Authority (SREDA).
"People from around the world, who will gather for this prestigious conference, will have an
excellent opportunity to enjoy the hospitality of not only the University of Saskatchewan and
the City of Saskatoon, but the entire province," said Premier Lorne Calvert. "This event is a
tremendous opportunity for the university to highlight its centennial celebrations."
Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison said he is extremely pleased that Congress 2007 will be
held in Saskatoon. "I congratulate the University of Saskatchewan for its efforts in bringing
this prestigious academic gathering to Saskatoon,” he said. “Our exceptional facilities and
services, spectacular events and attractions, and warm prairie hospitality are sure to guarantee
a first-class conference."
Ted Mitchell, SREDA Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are very excited to have
Congress 2007 in our community, and we were proud to have participated in the bid.
This multi-disciplinary event will have numerous academic, cultural and economic spinoffs
for our region."
The delegates, whose average length of stay will be three days, will present scholarly
papers, listen to prominent speakers, and take in a wide range of cultural and artistic
events arranged specifically for Congress.
“The congress will showcase our scholarly excellence alongside some of the most
influential Canadian and international thinkers. It’s also an opportunity to increase our
outreach and engagement with our local community,” said Congress 2007 academic
convener Hans Michelmann, noting that the public will be invited to attend some of the
lectures, cultural events and the largest annual book fair in Canada with the purchase of a
community day pass.
“Staging this massive event will engage many sectors of our campus and will provide
more than 13,000 hours of student employment,” Michelmann said.
Hosting this cross-campus event will require 165 classrooms and lecture halls, as well as
venues for social and cultural events, equipment required in presentations, parking
spaces, accommodation (in town and on campus), security services, day care, and
extensive signage.
More information about the Federation can be found at: www.fedcan.ca.
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Kathryn Warden, Research Communications Director
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
www.usask.ca/research
Jody Ciufo, Associate Executive Director
Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
(613) 238-6112, ext. 306
www.fedcan.ca

Official Website: http://www.fedcan.ca/congress2007/