SACKVILLE, NB  — Mount Allison’s Department of Politics and International Relations is pleased to host the 2024 Atlantic Provinces Political Studies Association (APPSA) Conference from Sept. 27-29 on the Mount Allison campus. The theme of this year’s conference, Reimagining Governance in Turbulent Times, will bring together scholars, students, and political practitioners from across the region to explore pressing issues in governance, leadership, and global politics. 

The three-day event will feature presentations, panels, and discussions on a range of topics including political leadership, trust, media, disability politics, digital politics, Canadian federal politics, international security, and more. With a lineup of thought-provoking sessions, the conference aims to appeal to academics, students, policymakers, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of governance. 

Plenary event open to the public: Leadership, Trust, and the Media 

A highlight of the conference will be the opening event on Friday, Sept. 27, titled Leadership, Trust, and the Media — Expert Panel Insights. This session is open to the public and will bring together leading voices from across the political spectrum. The expert panel will include representatives from all major political parties, along with Mount Allison graduate Jo-Ann Roberts (‘77) and New Brunswick’s top political journalist, Jacques Poitras. The session will be moderated by Dr. Alex Marland, Professor and Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership at Acadia University. Dr. Stephen McBride, Canada Research Chair in Public Policy and Globalization from McMaster University, will deliver the keynote address, Bringing the State Back In (Again), at the Saturday evening banquet. 

The plenary will offer unique insights into the critical role of trust and media in political leadership, especially relevant in today’s complex political landscape. The full conference program can be viewed here: 2024 Conference Program. 

Mount Allison alumni Martha Pitre ('22) and Noah Fry ('19) will also be presenting papers as part of the conference’s academic programming.  

Registration Details 

Although the Friday plenary event is open to the public, registration is required for those who wish to attend the full conference.  Tickets for the Saturday banquet/keynote event can be purchased separately. Registration can be completed online at APPSA Registration. 

Students enrolled in Mount Allison’s Politics and International Relations programs are welcome to attend any of the conference panels without charge.  For further information contact Dr. Mario Levesque, malevesque@mta.ca.