The Brian Mulroney Institute of Government Sober Second Thinkers Speakers Series Presents
Stories From the Red Chamber: Representing Nova Scotia in Canada’s Mostly Independent Upper Chamber
The Honourable Mary Coyle
Monday, March 3, 2025
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Mulroney Hall 2032
All are welcome.
The Honourable Mary Coyle
In Senator Coyle’s talk, she will share insights from her work in the Senate, highlighting legislation of particular importance to Nova Scotia, her experiences serving on committees, and how she navigates the evolving dynamics of the post-reform, mostly non-partisan Senate. Her talk will provide a unique perspective on the role of independent senators and the impact of their work on national policy.
Sober Second Thinkers Speakers Series
As part of its mandate to initiate conversations around key policy concerns, the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government has launched the Sober Second Thinkers Speakers Series. In this speakers series, the Mulroney Institute invites sitting and retired Senators to give their reflections on their time in the Senate and to talk about the importance of sober second thought in an era of increased partisanship and divisions.
Over the course of one-to-two days at the university, visiting Senators will present a public lecture and engage with students. The series aims to involve students as well as the StFX campus and community at large, sharing Senators’ knowledge and insights as participant-observers in one of the nation’s central government institutions.
Biography: The Honourable Mary Coyle
Senator Mary Coyle has devoted her career to advancing women’s leadership, gender equality, shared prosperity, and Indigenous rights with a focus on local and international development. Her early work includes roles in Botswana and Indonesia, supporting economic, regional and community development.
As Executive Director of Calmeadow, for 10 years she supported the pioneering of innovative microfinance initiatives internationally and across Canada, including the world’s first commercial microfinance bank in Bolivia and the First Peoples Fund for Indigenous communities in Canada. Joining St. Francis Xavier University in 1997, serving as University Vice-President and Director of the Coady International Institute, she led the Institute’s innovation agenda and the expansion of its global programs for women, youth, and Indigenous leaders. She also served as Executive Director of the Frank McKenna Centre for Leadership.
Senator Coyle is honoured to have played a key role in the establishment of the Stephen Lewis Foundation; the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security; the Indian School of Microfinance for Women; and the Haitian Centre for Leadership and Excellence. She served on the boards of the MicroFinance Support Facility for Afghanistan, the International Development Research Centre, the North South Institute, and Cooperation Canada.
In the Senate, she serves on the Indigenous Peoples and Foreign Affairs Committees and is co-founder and co-chairs Senators for Climate Solutions.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Languages and Literature, and a Master of Arts in Rural Planning and Development from the University of Guelph.
With three daughters and seven grandchildren, Senator Coyle remains committed to addressing key issues, such as global cooperation, human rights and climate, critical to Canada’s leadership on the global stage.
Credit for photos: Senate of Canada