Ross Harvey

.

Open Letter to Gina Cody, Chancellor of Concordia University

Dear Gina,

I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. It is with great enthusiasm and a profound sense of purpose that I reach out to you today to share my vision for the future of both Concordia University and the greater city of Montreal. My initiative, ANewDay.ca, embodies a transformative path forward, not only for our institution but for society at large. I believe that Concordia University has the potential to become a leading force in shaping a new era of higher education, and I am eager to partner with you and the Concordia community to make that vision a reality.

As someone who was welcomed into Concordia University in 1982 with open arms, I can attest to the warmth, inclusivity, and forward-thinking spirit of this institution. When I returned to Montreal from playing my sport professionally, I had no formal post-secondary education to speak of. However, thanks to the support of Mr. Cousins and the welcoming nature of Concordia, I was able to follow a path towards a BSc in Biology, despite being what they termed a ‘mature student’. I had a dream of becoming a veterinarian, and though my journey was unconventional, Concordia gave me the opportunity to pursue it.

It is this very sense of opportunity, inclusivity, and dedication to excellence that fuels my passion for this university. Over the years, I have grown to deeply respect Concordia, yet I have always felt that the institution is undeserving of its second-billing to McGill. It is time for Concordia to take its rightful place as the premiere English university in Montreal—and, indeed, as a beacon of academic excellence on the global stage.

My vision for Montreal’s academic landscape involves a radical shift—one in which Concordia, not McGill, becomes the centerpiece of higher learning in our city. In this future, McGill’s campus is demolished and replaced by innovative, progressive spaces that better serve the needs of a dynamic and ever-evolving society.  Montreal Transformed. Concordia would rise as the sole English-language university, occupying a central role in shaping the intellectual, social, and cultural fabric of Montreal.

The goal of ANewDay.ca is not simply to envision a brighter future for Concordia, but to ensure that the students, faculty, and administration work together to implement practices that transform society in every aspect. This transformation is rooted in the understanding that both humans and animals are integral parts of the world’s interconnected systems, and that we must work in harmony with nature to build a better future for all.

At the heart of ANewDay.ca is the notion that every decision, every policy, and every practice should embody the highest standards of best practices. Whether it be in education, sustainability, social justice, animal welfare, or economic systems, we must create a world where integrity, compassion, and excellence are the guiding principles. I envision a Concordia University that plays a critical role in this transformation—a university where students not only gain the knowledge to excel in their chosen fields but are also prepared to be leaders who drive positive change on a global scale.

To bring this vision to life, I propose that we work together to develop a collaborative relationship between all facets of Concordia University—administration, faculty, staff, and students. This partnership would focus on integrating ANewDay.ca’s core values into the university’s mission, ensuring that Concordia becomes a leader in education and societal transformation. I believe that by working together, we can establish new programs, research initiatives, and community partnerships that align with these goals. The university itself will become a model of sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility, offering a unique educational experience that equips students to tackle the most pressing challenges of our time.

But more than that, ANewDay.ca is about creating a vision of the future that is grounded in the best practices of the present. It is about aligning our collective actions with the highest ethical standards, pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve as a society, and ensuring that every step we take is forward, sustainable, and compassionate.

In this transformed world, Concordia would lead the way in every aspect—whether that be through cutting-edge research, community engagement, or environmental stewardship. We would focus not only on human progress but also on ensuring the well-being of animals and ecosystems. Through this holistic approach, we would build a society that works to elevate every living being, fostering a future that embodies the principles of Heaven on Earth.

This ambitious endeavor requires dedication, vision, and collaboration. It cannot be accomplished alone, but I am confident that Concordia University has the capacity to be the catalyst for this transformation. With your leadership, Chancellor Cody, and the commitment of the entire Concordia community, we can turn this vision into a reality, one that will not only benefit Montreal but the entire world.

I invite you to join me in this exciting journey. Together, we can create a university that is truly world-class—not just in terms of academic achievement but in the impact it has on society, on the planet, and on all living beings. Concordia is poised to rise to its full potential, and with your leadership and the collective will of the Concordia community, we can make that transformation happen.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and the rest of the Concordia family to bring ANewDay.ca to life and to ensure that Concordia University becomes the beacon of hope, knowledge, and positive change in the world.

All my love,

Ross