2024 Annual General Meeting Minutes
January 14, 2025
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 12:00 pm by Dr. Summerby Murray, Chair of the EduNova Board.
Welcome and Acknowledgement
Dr. Summerby Murray, officially opened the meeting. He acknowledged that the meeting was being held on the traditional territory of the Mi'kmaq people, expressing respect and recognition to the land’s Indigenous heritage. He emphasized the critical role that international education plays in Canada, highlighting its importance in fostering global connections, diversity, and economic growth.
Dr. Summerby Murray welcomed all attendees to EduNova’s Annual General Meeting, both in person and virtually. He thanked everyone for their participation and emphasized the importance of the gathering.
Introductions
Following the welcome, attendees were invited to introduce themselves. Representatives from various educational institutions and organizations were present, and each attendee shared their name, role, and affiliation.
Chair’s Report
Dr. Summerby Murray, Chair of EduNova's Board, delivered the Chair’s Report. He highlighted the significant challenges faced by the international education sector over the past year. He also emphasized the need to continue articulating the value of international education to policymakers, stressing its importance for both economic growth and cultural exchange. He acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the EduNova team in navigating financial and structural challenges, and he expressed gratitude for their ongoing commitment to the organization’s mission.
President & CEO’s Report EduNova_Report_2024_V4.docx
Shawna Garrett, President & CEO of EduNova, presented a comprehensive report on EduNova's achievements and challenges. She highlighted the organization's digital transformation initiatives, including the successful implementation of MyCreds across Nova Scotia's post-secondary institutions, with more than 80,000 credentials exchanged. She also discussed strategic marketing efforts, institutional capacity building, and various programs aimed at supporting international students. These programs included the Study and Stay program, the Post-graduation Immigration Support PGIS and the International Admissions Staff Training Program. Additionally, she addressed the challenges faced due to IRCC policy changes, which affected Canada's reputation as a study destination. In response, EduNova launched targeted marketing campaigns, videos and organized familiarization tours to enhance Nova Scotia's appeal. Shawna Garrett also launched the Member of the Month program and announced Lauren Cullen as the winner for November 2024. She stated that EduNova would continue to feature member profiles and select a Member of the Month in the coming year.
Dr. Summerby Murray recognized the members as well as the Provincial government, Advanced Education, Labour Skills & Immigration, and ACOA for their support in contributing to the success of EduNova's programs.
Treasurer’s Report and Financials for 2023-24 & Auditors’ Report Financial Statement 2023-2024.png
Kerrianne MacKenzie, Treasurer of the EduNova Board, presented the financial statements for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. The organization reported a strong financial position, with assets totaling $4,194,011, liabilities at $3,386,949, and net assets of $807,062. She noted that most receivables of the $981,376 had already been collected, as the organization was nearing the end of the year and emphasized that EduNova had made secure investments for 2024.
A question was raised regarding the breakdown of funds held between members and the provincial government - Shawna clarified that the ratio was 70:30.
Dr. Summerby Murray was pleased to report that EduNova has a clean audit for the fiscal year 2023-2024. It was also confirmed that the financials had been audited by Grant Thornton.
Kerrianne MacKenzie also informed the members that the Board has already approved the budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025.
Motion to approve EduNova’s Financial Statements: Kerrianne MacKenzie
12 members voted
Motion carried
Report from WG re Bylaws/Committees /TOR AR Committee TORS Draft V2.docx EduNova - Articles and Bylaws - Nov 2024 amendments.docx EduNova Board of Directors - Terms of Reference DRAFT June 2024.docx
Kerrianne MacKenzie, Treasurer of the EduNova Board, shared that during EduNova's Annual General Meeting in 2023, the decision was made to conduct a governance review, which would include a review of operations, bylaws, and articles, as it had been some time since this was last done. This decision was also discussed and approved in the Board Meeting.
The Board of Directors approved the creation of a Finance, Audit, and Risk Committee as a standing committee of the Board. This committee will assist in fulfilling the Board’s oversight responsibilities in several key areas, including risk management (identifying, assessing, and mitigating organizational risks), financial oversight (overseeing financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance with statutory remittances and funding agreements), audit processes (monitoring internal and external audit functions), and ensuring the integrity of outcomes.
The committee will report directly to the Board, providing recommendations to align the organization’s risk management and financial practices with best practices and regulatory requirements. As a result of this decision, the Operations Committee, which had fulfilled its mandate and was no longer necessary for the effective governance and operations of the organization, will be dissolved. The Finance, Audit, and Risk Committee has been officially approved as the new standing committee.
Motion to Dissolve the Operations Committee and replace it with a Finance, Audit and Risk Committee: Kerrianne MacKenzie
12 members voted
Motion carried
Kerrianne MacKenzie, Treasurer of the EduNova Board, proposed amendments to the bylaws and articles to allow for the creation of committees under the purview of the Board. As a result, the Board will have the authority to create and define these committees, while still seeking feedback from the membership. The committees will be responsible for the operational aspects of their respective areas moving forward.
The committees suggested for creation include the Immigration Committee, the Recruitment Committee, the newly formed Finance and Risk Committee, and the Language Sector Committee. These committees will operate under the broader framework of Languages Canada, while remaining under the control and oversight of the Board.
Additionally, it was noted that the Board of Directors' Terms of Reference will need to be revised to accommodate these changes and ensure the smooth integration of these committees into the Board’s governance structure.
Motion to create committees and bring them under the purview of the Board and the amendment of the Board of Director’s TOR’s: Kerrianne MacKenzie
12 members voted
Motion carried
Committee Updates from Chairs
Student Recruitment Committee
Lauren Cullen, Chair of the Student Recruitment Committee, presented an update on the committee’s recent accomplishments. She highlighted the successful conclusion of the NSISP Fam Tour, which wrapped up recently.
The Committee has met in person twice this year, in January and June, and is scheduled to meet again in December. While the committee faced several challenges, Lauren emphasized that there were also numerous opportunities for growth, particularly in terms of fostering collaborations and strengthening connections with both colleagues and students.
In terms of upcoming initiatives, EduNova is working on five proposals for potential collaborations:
Guidance Counsellor Fam Tour
Agent Fam Tour
International Student Fam Tour
Graduate Immigration Support Program
Digital Marketing Campaign
These efforts are aimed at enhancing the committee’s outreach and recruitment initiatives.
Language Sector Committee
Kerrianne Mackenzie, Treasurer of the Board, provided an update on the Language Sector Committee, emphasizing some of the significant challenges facing the sector. She noted that in January 2024, the IRCC introduced new rules that have had a substantial impact on students, schools, jobs, infrastructure, and the future population growth in Nova Scotia.
Kerrianne highlighted the unique nature of the sector, noting that approximately 90% of its membership consists of private institutions. She stressed the importance of language learning beyond the minimum benchmark of a 6.5 IELTS score, which is often seen as the threshold for proficiency. While a 6.5 score may indicate basic language competency, it does not necessarily translate to meaningful employment opportunities or successful integration into the community. Hence, she emphasized the critical need for effective integration strategies.
Looking ahead to 2025, Kerrianne shared the committee’s focus on moving in new and innovative directions. She pointed out that not all language providers are pathway schools, but many do offer pathways. The committee's efforts in 2025 will focus on refining what they do and how they do it, particularly in terms of integrating with evolving systems. This will include leveraging technological developments to adapt and enhance language learning and integration efforts.
Immigration Committee
Amy Braye, Chair of the Immigration Committee, provided an update on the committee's recent work, highlighting the complexities of the current immigration climate. She noted that the rapid pace of changes in immigration policies has had significant implications for students who have planned their careers and lives around coming to Canada. Many of these students require guidance to navigate the evolving landscape to ensure they remain in compliance and can fulfill the commitments they made prior to their arrival.
Amy also pointed out that recent policy changes are affecting the operations of universities, with particularly important implications for how students are admitted and supported. These changes impact the procedures for issuing provincial attestation letters, confirming letters of admission, and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.
The Immigration Committee meets bi-weekly to discuss these developments, share case-specific questions, and workshop solutions as a group. The committee also stays updated by engaging with government representatives and sharing insights from various professional development opportunities, such as those offered by CBIE, CIC, and other organizations.
Amy expressed her gratitude for the wealth of experience and expertise within the committee, noting that it is a privilege to be part of such a collaborative and collegial team.
Appointment of new board member
Dr. Summerby Murray, Chair of EduNova's Board, proceeded with the next item on the agenda which was the appointment of the new Board Member.
Motion to appoint a new Board Member Balakrishnan (Raj) Prithiviraj: Dr. Summerby Murray
12 members voted
Motion carried
Approval of the minutes of AGM 2023 1. AGM Minutes 2023.docx
Dr. Summerby Murray, Chair of EduNova's Board, moved on to the next item on the agenda: the approval of the minutes from the 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Motion to approve the minutes from the 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM): Sheila Nunn
12 members voted
Motion carried
Other business and adjournment
Dr. Summerby Murray, Chair of EduNova's Board, asked if there was any other business to be discussed. Upon hearing no further items, he proceeded with the adjournment of the meeting at 1.30 pm.
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Request for Quote - Executive Search Services, President, and CEO
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Current President and CEO, Ms. Shawna Garrett, has advised us that she is resigning from EduNova to take up the role of Registrar and Associate Vice-President of Enrolment at Sheridan College.