About the Institute


The MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance at Dalhousie University is a nationally focused, non-partisan, interdisciplinary institute designed to support the development of progressive public policy and to encourage greater citizen engagement.

A partnership with national reach

The MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance at Dalhousie University provides an effective non-partisan mechanism to expand the reach and impact of the Institute’s work. As such, it enables us to build on Mr. MacEachen’s legacy by promoting vigorous debate on progressive public policy issues. Most importantly, it encourages and engages active participation by Canadian citizens in civic activities ranging from community and neighbourhood issues to issues of national concern.

Independent and informed

The Institute looks at progressive ways to tackle public policy and governance issues through open discussion with a variety of informed players and aims to serve as the “go to” place provincially, regionally and nationally for rich, robust public policy debate, discussion and research. The MacEachen Institute at Dalhousie University engages scholars, students and community members in the development of policy options, policy research and other outputs of the Institute.

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Our history

In February 2015, the Directors of the MacEachen Institute for Policy and Government announced a $2.25 million donation to Dalhousie University of $2.25 million, to be used to establish a public policy research institute in the name of the Honourable Allan J. MacEachen.

Born in Inverness on Cape Breton Island in 1921, Allan J. MacEachen committed his career to public service. He was first elected Member of Parliament for Inverness in 1953, and held many ministerial appointments in Lester B. Pearson's and Pierre Trudeau's cabinets, until his retirement from the Senate of Canada in 1996.

Click here to learn more about the life and legacy of Allan J. MacEachen.

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