UNews - Richard Westlund

Westlund to lead new Communications, Marketing and Government Relations team

caroline.zentner — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 18:06:11 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is excited to announce Richard Westlund as the Executive Director of Communications, Marketing and Government Relations. This leadership position is the amalgamation of a number of key roles based on recommendations from the Transformational Restructuring Task Forces.

“The integrated approach to this position is of strategic importance to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s future,” says ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon. “Richard has been steadfast in his service to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ over the last 14 years and his work ethic and professionalism are paramount. I am very pleased he was the successful applicant for this position and look forward to working with him in this new capacity.”

Formerly the Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations, Westlund has served as the Interim Lead for communications and marketing over the last 19 months. He has led the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s communications efforts throughout the pandemic, from enacting the crisis communication plan when the pandemic hit in March 2020 to the Return to Campus communications efforts this fall.

“Communications, marketing and government relations have always been important functions, but the pandemic has underscored how critical this role is to our institution,” says Mahon. “Richard has effectively brought teams together during very difficult circumstances, creating solutions and new synergies.”

As the executive director, Westlund will lead a diverse team of communicators, marketers, digital communications specialists, designers and government relations officers to continue to advance the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s reputation and brand across diverse stakeholders.

“One of my primary goals is to ensure communications and marketing efforts are consistent and of the highest quality across the institution,” says Westlund. “I am very excited to work with creative, strategic and impactful teams, and continuing to build strong and meaningful connections between the central communications and marketing teams and the academic and non-academic units on both campuses.”

Active in the southern Alberta community, Westlund has volunteered with the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as board chair. He has also enjoyed volunteering for youth sporting organizations in Lethbridge. Prior to his roles at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Westlund was an executive assistant to a cabinet minister in the Government of Alberta, a researcher officer at the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and the editor of the Didsbury Review.

Westlund will begin his role as Executive Director of Communications, Marketing and Government Relations on October 1, 2021.

Government anouncements set stage

trevor.kenney — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:17:58 +0000

By RICHARD WESTLUND

This week will be very telling for Alberta's post-secondary sector as Alberta's Speech from the Throne is read (Feb. 7) and the Government of Alberta's budget is released (Feb. 9).

Alberta Finance Minister Ron Liepert has hinted that the budget will not include any large expenditures or adversely any deep cuts, and that the health and education sectors remain priority areas for the government.

The U of L has spent a great deal of time over the past year advocating for stable and predictable funding that reflects the institution's mandate. Any budget documents from this week's release will be available on the Government Relations blog (blogs.ulethbridge.ca/government-relations).

Cabinet tour hits U of L

In late January, Alberta cabinet ministers took part in an outreach tour of the province. Minister of Culture and Community Services, Heather Klimchuk, along with Advanced Education and Technology Minister, Greg Weadick, spent some time on campus looking at various facilities. Considering the cultural component to Klimchuk's responsibilities, she was shown the Digital Audio Arts facility as well as some of the Art Gallery's storage areas. Klimchuk had the opportunity to see some amazing pieces from the U of L Art Collection while on a tour last year as well. She understands the uniqueness of the Art Gallery's program as a valuable teaching resource for our students, as well as a cultural resource for the broader public.

Ministerial Decks

In an effort to make both elected and non-elected government members more aware of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's teaching and research strengths, the Government Relations Office is creating general briefings, or Ministerial Decks.

These general briefings are sent directly to managers, directors, assistant deputy ministers, deputy ministers, elected members and their staff, as well as made available on the U of L's Government Relations website (www.uleth.ca/president/government-relations).

In recent months, briefings related to the U of L's relevance in the agriculture industry and issues related to water and the environment have been created and released. The third installment, focusing on health and wellness, will be available shortly.

One of the challenges of this project is including only a few of the many compelling stories the U of L has to offer in these areas. The goal of these publications is to ensure the U of L is viewed as an institution that has a significant role to play in issues that resonate with the government and citizens of Alberta.

Richard Westlund is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's director of government relations.

This story first appeared in the February 2012 edition of The Legend. To view the full issue in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Lobbying Act must be kept in mind

trevor.kenney — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:46:55 +0000

More and more often, grant applications contain sections warning applicants that they are responsible for ensuring that anyone lobbying on their behalf is doing so while in compliance with Canada's Lobbying Act.

As individuals seeking grants complete applications across campus, I will take this opportunity to provide a cursory overview of what the Lobbying Act is and the measures the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ must take to ensure compliance. Further, I would encourage anyone who has questions about the act to visit the commissioner's website. The U of L Government Relations Office (A764) is available to answer questions that faculty or staff may have regarding the registry.

The Federal Lobbying Act dictates that universities (and a myriad of other private-sector and public organizations) must report specific lobbying encounters when speaking with Designated Public Office Holders (DPOHs). These individuals include cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, associate deputy ministers, MPs, Members of the Senate and any exempt staff working in the offices of these members.

The U of L is required to update its lobby registration on an ongoing basis. This registration contains general information about the institution, the grants it receives, the individuals that act in a lobbying capacity for the institution and the subject matter on which the U of L intends to lobby the federal government. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is also responsible for reporting its "oral and arranged" communication after a listed employee advocates for a benefit (whether financial or to influence policy or legislation) for the institution. These monthly communication reports must be submitted by the 15th day of the following month from when the interaction occurred. This is done through the Government Relations Office.

Faculty members have the academic freedom to speak to members of the federal government as persons with expertise. If a faculty member lobbies for a benefit to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, they, and their subject matter, must be included in the U of L's registration. However, if an employee or faculty member is advocating for the greater public good (and not a specific benefit) they are not required to register or report their interaction.

At various times, individuals throughout campus are involved in projects that involve interacting with the Federal Government. Again, the Government Relations Office can help to ensure you are fulfilling the legal requirements of the federal Lobbying Act. More information can be found online at www.ocl-cal.gc.ca/eic/site/lobbyist-lobbyiste1.nsf/eng/home.

Richard Westlund is the Director of Government Relations at the U of L. In an effort to better inform different parts of our campus and external communities about the various government relations activities that occur at the U of L, he has started a blog. Visit it at blogs.ulethbridge.ca/government-relations

This story first appeared in the November issue of the Legend. For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Championing the U of L mandate

trevor.kenney — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 20:57:30 +0000

By RICHARD WESTLUND

A key part of most successful government relations strategies is to identify and utilize champions for your cause. For federal initiatives, the
U of L has found a literal champion of its own.

The Deputy Minister ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Champion Program is an initiative housed in the Canada School of Public Service, and is aimed at strengthening linkages between the Government of Canada and Canadian universities.

Earlier this year, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge was granted membership into this program. Subsequently, Dr. James Ralston, the Comptroller General of Canada, was named as the U of L's ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Champion.

Ralston received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta, his Master of Arts (Economics) from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Ottawa and a Doctor of Philosophy (Political Science) from Carleton ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. Beginning his career with the Provincial Auditor of Alberta, he later joined a national accounting/consulting firm in Edmonton and Ottawa. He was appointed the Comptroller General of Canada after working for the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) for 15 years.

The role of a deputy minister champion is flexible. In speaking with my counterparts across Canada, it is clear that relationships between universities and deputy minister champions vary greatly and are unique to each institution. It is hoped that the relationship between Ralston and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will create new opportunities for our students and faculty, such as stronger co-op arrangements between the
U of L and the federal government, the facilitation of interactions that link U of L research and teaching strengths with appropriate federal departments and continuous information sharing of university and government directions and priorities.

Ralston has been an eager and willing partner with the U of L from the outset of the champion program. He had already taken the time to tour the U of L and meet with a variety of folks from different parts of campus, including meetings with President Mike Mahon, Provost Andrew Hakin, the Career Resources Centre and our co-op programs office. He also toured the Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building, the Canadian Centre for Behavioral Neuroscience and the U of L Art Gallery.

Now that Ralston has an understanding of the programs offered and research conducted at the U of L, he is in a better position to identify links and opportunities between the federal government and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

Furthermore, he is in a better position to represent U of L interests and, when appropriate, facilitate and advise on effective strategies.

Richard Westlund is the Director of Government Relations at the U of L. In an effort to better inform different parts of our campus and external communities about the various government relations activities that occur at the U of L, he has started a blog. Visit it at blogs.ulethbridge.ca/government-relations

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ sees great value in its external relationships

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 18:04:50 +0000

By RICHARD WESTLUND

A couple of years ago, while at the Canadian Universities Government Relations Officers annual conference, I attended a presentation made by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Western Ontario and the London Chamber of Commerce about the strong partnership they enjoyed.

At first glance, the session seemed understated and underwhelming, as it was slotted amid more noteworthy sessions that included federal deputy ministers, prominent media columnists and established strategists within government. However it was this session that resonated with me more than the others because it spoke to the great opportunities that arise when partnerships with local entities are established.

Western's relationship with the London chamber, at one point, was fairly one-sided. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ would approach local businesses only when it needed something – such as support for a specific application for government funding.

The relationship changed when the London chamber reengaged the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and insisted that Western become a meaningful partner. After some concerted effort, the chamber and the university created a relationship of mutual benefit.

After returning home and pondering this example, I joined the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee. I had given the local chamber little thought prior to that point but now felt it was important to get involved. What I immediately found was that the Lethbridge and Western situations were hardly comparable.

I discovered that the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge's relationship with the local chamber goes back decades. On its website the chamber proudly states the significant role it has played in support of the U of L in the community. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has an automatic appointment to its board of directors and various committees have U of L representatives actively participating in events and meetings. Faculty of Management Dean
Dr. Bob Ellis, for example, serves on the Government Affairs committee.

As well, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ researchers have taken the time to share their expertise with the chamber. In the past few months alone, Dr. Geoffrey Hale has spoken on border issues and Dr. Judith Kulig advocated for federal funds to create a pilot program for initiatives that would help universities retain Aboriginal students and assist in their transition to the workforce.

Like the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has a role to play in the economic development of the city and beyond. One of the key directions in the U of L's Strategic Plan is to enhance relationships with external communities. Faculty and staff from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ currently share their skills with a myriad of different local organizations. It is this spirit of sharing knowledge and expertise that benefits both the community and the U of L.

Looking at the emphasis the U of L places on community engagement, and by the number of advocates the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ already has in the community, fostering these meaningful partnerships and interactions will only help the city and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to thrive in the future.

Richard Westlund is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's government relations director

Mahon has government's ear

trevor.kenney — Tue, 10 May 2011 20:02:16 +0000

By RICHARD WESTLUND

The arrival of a new president on campus has given the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ an opportunity to re-engage members of government at all levels. In the same way that the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge campus community has been interested in hearing about a renewed vision for our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, there has been significant interest shown by government officials across the province and country in learning more about President Mike Mahon and his priorities.

Shortly after his installation speech, President Mahon began to outline his four pillars: Student First, Comprehensive ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Community Centered and A Destination ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to a variety of government members. This was initially done in one-on-one meetings with select individuals – the Premier of Alberta, Minister and Deputy Minister of Advanced Education and Technology and others.

In an effort to reach a larger number of government members, President Mahon then made formal presentations to the federal Alberta Caucus, the federal Liberal Caucus, the Alberta Rural Caucus, the Calgary Caucus, reeves and mayors of South West Alberta as well as to specific federal and provincial deputy ministers. At the conclusion of the upcoming Capital Region Caucus meeting, the four pillars presentation will have been shared with almost every MP and MLA in the province as well as a significant number of municipal leaders in our geographic area.

Introducing this vision to these groups has been important for a variety of reasons.

At the federal level, it has been an opportunity to reinforce the importance that research plays in creating a dynamic learning environment for our undergraduate and graduate students. In the past couple of years, larger universities have been pushing the federal government to concentrate research dollars to the larger institutions. Stories such as the success of U of L undergraduate students who developed an enzyme that cleans oilsands tailing ponds and subsequently received gold-medal standing at the MIT IGEM competition, underscore the benefits undergraduate students enjoy when research and learning are linked.

At the provincial level, the U of L story speaks to the need of having a destination university in the province. Currently 70 per cent of the students attending the U of L are from outside of Lethbridge. The U of L allows students from all over Alberta to benefit from a first-class educational experience without leaving the province. President Mahon has pointed out that the U of L is often described as a "best-kept secret". Certainly that perception is beginning to change and will no doubt continue to advance.

Finally, at the municipal level, underscoring the notion of community has resonated with local leaders. President Mahon has shared his goal of having all undergraduate students participate in a community engagement experience before they graduate. Some mayors are already contemplating how they too can play a part in this vision.

Despite the fact that the U of L is geographically removed from Edmonton and Ottawa, the U of L's contribution to teaching, research, culture, sport, economy and quality of life for all is becoming increasingly known. When federal ministers and northern Alberta MLAs alike give unprompted endorsements of specific U of L successes, as we have seen in recent months, it speaks to the institution's growing reputation. Maintaining that momentum in this area is extremely important. Knowledge about the U of L among the various levels of government is critical in ensuring the interests and aspirations of the U of L are realized.

Richard Westlund is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's government relations director

This story first appeared in the Legend. For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Government listening

trevor.kenney — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 17:36:23 +0000

The arrival of a new president on campus has given the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ an opportunity to re-engage members of government at all levels. In the same way that the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge campus community has been interested in hearing about a renewed vision for our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, there has been significant interest shown by government officials across the province and country in learning more about President Mike Mahon and his priorities.

Introducing this vision to these groups has been important for a variety of reasons.

Despite the fact that the U of L is geographically removed from Edmonton and Ottawa, the
U of L's contribution to teaching, research, culture, sport, economy and quality of life for all is becoming increasingly known. When federal ministers and northern Alberta MLAs alike give unprompted endorsements of specific U of L successes, as we have seen in recent months, it speaks to the institution's growing reputation. Maintaining that momentum in this area is extremely important. Knowledge about the U of L among the various levels of government is critical in ensuring the interests and aspirations of the U of L are realized.

Richard Westlund is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's government relation's director

For a look at the Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Semester break offers opportunity to reflect

trevor.kenney — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 23:20:08 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Dr. Mike Mahon chats about what's happening in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community

It's hard to believe the first semester is already coming to a close and the Christmas break is nearly upon us.

Since taking over the president's position in July, the last six months have been a whirlwind of activity, and never more than in the past few weeks. I was chastised the other morning by one of the regulars in the gym for being conspicuously absent, but thanks to a very heavy travel schedule that took me to a number of meetings in our national and provincial capitals, I have spent more time on airplanes than in gymnasiums.

A four-day trip to Ottawa with Vice-President, Research, Dr. Dan Weeks and Director, Government Relations, Richard Westlund, was extremely productive. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting with local MP Rick Casson and Prime Minister Stephen Harper in his Centre Block office. It was wonderful to be able to discuss with Prime Minister Harper the outstanding research that is being conducted here at the U of L and to outline the strategic goals of the institution as we move forward.

President Mike Mahon gives thanks as we head into the Christmas break.

I was also very fortunate to be able to address the Alberta Caucus, of which 17 Alberta MPs were able to attend. Subsequent meetings with members of the Senate, select MPs and deputy ministers, Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach and the Alberta Rural Caucus, all served to educate our political leaders about the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's mandate. Our conversations spoke about the student-first culture we are creating, the focus on our continued emergence as a comprehensive university that embraces both graduate and undergraduate studies, the introduction of our community service learning model and the goal to make the
U of L a destination university for students from all corners of the globe.

The biggest task in the new year will be to follow up on these conversations and further explore the many initiatives that were discussed.

When I think of the Christmas season, I think of it as a time to take stock of all that we are thankful for, and looking around campus, I see many reasons to give thanks.

First and foremost, we must thank our students for choosing the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and putting their faith in us to help them achieve their educational goals. The energy, life and enthusiasm they bring to campus create a vibrancy not found in any other workplace.

I want to thank our staff for their commitment to the U of L, making sure that the doors are always open, the lights are on, the classrooms are clean and the day-to-day operations of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ run as seamlessly as possible.

Our faculty, and their continued willingness to go above and beyond in ensuring our undergraduate students see success in the classroom, and our graduate students seek success in their research initiatives, also deserves to be thanked.

Maureen and I also want to thank the entire ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community for accepting us into your family and making our transition to the U of L so comfortable.

As a way to express our thanks, I invite everyone to the annual Christmas Reception, Dec. 22 in the Atrium, where we can all take a breath after a busy semester and enjoy each other's company as we head into the semester break.

For a look at the full issue of the December Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Open Mike - December

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 17:51:06 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge President Dr. Mike Mahon chats about what's happening in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community

It's hard to believe the first semester is already coming to a close and the Christmas break is nearly upon us.

Since taking over the president's position in July, the last six months have been a whirlwind of activity, and never more than in the past few weeks. I was chastised the other morning by one of the regulars in the gym for being conspicuously absent, but thanks to a very heavy travel schedule that took me to a number of meetings in our national and provincial capitals, I have spent more time on airplanes than in gymnasiums.

A four-day trip to Ottawa with Vice-President, Research, Dr. Dan Weeks and Director, Government Relations, Richard Westlund, was extremely productive. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting with local MP Rick Casson and Prime Minister Stephen Harper in his Centre Block office. It was wonderful to be able to discuss with Prime Minister Harper the outstanding research that is being conducted here at the U of L and to outline the strategic goals of the institution as we move forward.

The biggest task in the new year will be to follow up on these conversations and further explore the many initiatives that were discussed.

When I think of the Christmas season, I think of it as a time to take stock of all that we are thankful for, and looking around campus, I see many reasons to give thanks.

First and foremost, we must thank our students for choosing the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and putting their faith in us to help them achieve their educational goals. The energy, life and enthusiasm they bring to campus create a vibrancy not found in any other workplace.

I want to thank our staff for their commitment to the U of L, making sure that the doors are always open, the lights are on, the classrooms are clean and the day-to-day operations of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ run as seamlessly as possible.

Our faculty, and their continued willingness to go above and beyond in ensuring our undergraduate students see success in the classroom, and our graduate students seek success in their research initiatives, also deserves to be thanked.

Maureen and I also want to thank the entire ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community for accepting us into your family and making our transition to the U of L so comfortable.

As a way to express our thanks, I invite everyone to the annual Christmas Reception,
Dec. 22 in the Atrium, where we can all take a breath after a busy semester and enjoy each other's company as we head into the semester break.

For a look at the full issue of the December Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Lobbying Act Sees Significant Change

trevor.kenney — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:55:40 +0000

At one time, the federal Lobbying Act seemed geographically removed from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Most of the individuals the U of L was required to report its lobbying interactions with were located in Ottawa or, to a lesser extent, other major Canadian cities.

With a new regulation in place that brings Members of Parliament and Senators into the rules that govern lobbyists, it is particularly important that the broader U of L community become aware of how the landscape has changed.

The Lobbying Act dictates that organizations must report specific lobbying encounters when speaking with Designated Public Office Holders (DPOH). Up until last month, these individuals included cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, associate deputy ministers and their exempt staffs. The federal government has now broadened this list of individuals to include, among others, MPs, Members of the Senate or any exempt staff working in the offices of these members.

The U of L is required to update its lobby registration on an ongoing basis. This registry contains general information about the institution, the grants it receives, the individuals that act in a lobbying capacity for the institution and the subject matter upon which the U of L intends to lobby the federal government. The U of L is also responsible for reporting its "oral and arranged" communication after a listed employee advocates for a benefit (whether financial or to influence policy or legislation) for the institution. These monthly communication reports must be submitted by the 15th day of the following month from when the interaction occurred. This is done through the U of L's Government Relations Office.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ faculty members have the academic freedom to speak to members of the federal government as persons with expertise. If faculty members lobby for a benefit for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, they, and their subject matter, must be included in the U of L's registry. However, if an employee or faculty member is advocating for the greater public good (and not a specific benefit), they are not required to register or report their interaction.

At various times, individuals throughout campus are involved in projects that involve interacting with the federal government. The Government Relations Office can help to ensure you are fulfilling the legal requirements of the federal Lobbying Act.

For more information on this issue, check it out online at www.ocl-cal.gc.ca/eic/site/lobbyist-lobbyiste1.nsf/eng/home

Richard Westlund is the U of L's director of government relations and can be reached at 403-332-5251 or at richard.westlund@uleth.ca

UNews - Richard Westlund

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