About
The mandate of the IR-PLC is to create a space where International Relations Officers can share experiences with their colleagues across Canada, exchange and access information, opportunities and best practices, link in to the wider international relations community and work together to champion international collaboration in Canadian institutions. The IR-PLC also enables Canadian IROs to connect with peers in areas of common interest and we aspire to do this in ways that include our global community of practitioners.
The IR-PLC group welcomes members from all levels of the international relations field and who hold diverse responsibilities within IR from across the country. Members are encouraged to actively contribute to the group’s rich discussions.
IR-PLC Annual General Meeting (AGM)
November 26, 2024
Transnational Education (TNE) Today: Learning from Our Global Partners
August 14, 2024
Unlocking Opportunities: The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) as a Partner for Global Engagement
September 19, 2023
IR-PLC Annual General Meeting (AGM)
November 1, 2023
IR-PLC Annual General Meeting – Keynote: Gordon Houlden – “Partnerships With China: Challenges, Considerations, and Opportunities for Canadian Institutions
November 9, 2022
International Partnerships and the SDGs: Embedding Sustainability into Global Engagement
October 6, 2022
From Conception to Implementation: A Journey Through International Partnership Assessments
April 19, 2022
IR-PLC Annual General Meeting (AGM)
November 9, 2021
Assessing International Partnerships Through a Decolonial Lens
November 9, 2021
Steering Committee
The Steering Committee members and co-chairs act as a voice for the IR-PLC and increase awareness of the IR community they represent. For more information on roles and responsibilities, please see the IR-PLC’s Terms of Reference.
2026-2027 Steering Committee Members

Kennis Fung
International Partnership Lead
University of Manitoba
Co-chair 2026-2028

Recep Demir
Manager, Global Partnerships
York University
Interim Co-chair 2025-2026

Emily MacDougall
Director, Global Partnerships
University of British Columbia
Co-chair 2024-2026 | On leave

Sherilyn Acorn
International Liaison Officer and Manager of Study Abroad and International Partnerships
University of Prince Edward Island

Sara Berman
Executive Director, Global Engagement & Partnerships
Toronto Metropolitan University

Sylvie Jasen
International Projects Coordinator,
Carleton University


