Canadian Studies Announcements

In This Issue:

News from Berkeley

• New Hildebrand Fellow Hannah Jasper studies how marketing for Nanook of the North shaped perceptions of Inuit culture

• Dr. Zak Sabry, Berkeley nutritionist who led Canada’s first national nutritional survey, dies at 92

News from Canada

• King Charles makes historic – and symbolic – visit to Canada to open Parliament

Job Opportunity

• Commercial Officer, Ontario (Canadian Consulate in San Francisco)

External Events

• The SF Expat Canadian Meetup Group 13th Annual Canada Day Celebration

• Berkeley Club of Canada Summer Mixer in Toronto

• Digital Moose Lounge Canada Day Picnic

NEWS FROM BERKELEY

New Hildebrand Fellow Hannah Jasper Studies How Marketing for Nanook of the North Shaped Perceptions of Inuit Culture

The Canadian Studies Program is pleased to announce that Hannah Jasper has been awarded an Edward E. Hildebrand Research Fellowship for Summer 2025.

Hannah is a PhD student in the History of Art Department. She studies 20th-century visual culture, with a focus on visual serial print media and its relationship to US-based resistance movements. Her Fellowship will support her research into the 1922 film Nanook of the North, which was filmed in the Canadian Arctic with Inuit actors. The film’s distribution included promotional materials and immersive theater lobbies displaying Inuit life. Hannah’s project, “In the Actual Arctic”, explores how those promotional materials dramatically shaped perceptions of the Inuit in the United States. Her Hildebrand Fellowship will allow her to visit the Avataq Cultural Institute in Quebec to access rare photographs of the Inuit actors featured in the historic film, as well as to explore their collection of oral histories.

Hannah’s research examines the relationship between aesthetics, authorship, and collective production. She is interested in studying the evident and hidden forms of self-determination and cultural production within independent publications and mass media. She holds a bachelor of fine arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her work has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, WBEZ, and UChicago Magazine, and is supported by UC Berkeley’s Chancellor’s Fellowship.

Dr. Zak Sabry, Berkeley Nutritionist Who Led Canada’s First National Nutritional Survey, Dies at 92

The UC Berkeley School of Public Health has announced that Dr. Zak Sabry, a professor emeritus specializing in nutrition and epidemiology, passed away in Ottawa at the age of 92.

Dr. Sabry was a leading public health nutrition scientist whose work helped shape international nutrition policy and our understanding of diet and chronic disease prevention. His work on the relationships between dietary patterns and public health outcomes helped shape nutritional guidelines that have benefited communities worldwide, including in Canada.

Dr. Sabry was born in Egypt, and completed his undergraduate degree at Ain Shams University in Cairo. He came to the United States to attend graduate school, first completing a master’s in food science at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and then receiving his PhD in biochemistry from Pennsylvania State University. At Penn State, he met his first wife, a Canadian named Dr. Jean Henderson.

After several years teaching at the American University in Beirut, the couple moved to Canada after Dr. Sabry accepted a position at the University of Toronto. From 1970-1974, Dr. Sabry led Nutrition Canada, the first comprehensive national nutrition survey in the country. This work took him across the country, and up to the Yukon territories.

Following a brief tenure as professor at the University of Guelph, Dr. Sabry directed the Food Policy and Nutrition division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome from 1979 to 1983. He joined the faculty of UC Berkeley in 1984, where he remained until his retirement 20 years later. Following his retirement, Dr. Sabry returned to Canada, where he taught as a visiting professor at Ryerson University in Toronto.

Dr. Sabry’s colleagues and students remember him as a caring mentor who was always willing to offer guidance to others. School of Public Health Dean Michael C. Lu said that Sabry was not only “a visionary leader”, but “one of the most beloved teachers and mentors in our school’s history”. In 2004, grateful doctoral students spearheaded the Zak Sabry Faculty Membership Award, which honors School of Public Health faculty members with a distinguished history of mentorship.

Dr. Sabry is survived by two sons, three stepchildren, numerous grandchildren, and five siblings. He was predeceased by his parents, two wives, a stepdaughter, and a brother.

NEWS FROM CANADA

King Charles Makes Historic – and Symbolic – Visit to Canada to Open Parliament

The Canadian Monarch, Charles III, made a historic visit to Ottawa Tuesday to officially open the 45th Canadian Parliament. The King’s presence was requested by Prime Minister Mark Carney, who invited His Majesty to give the ceremonial Speech from the Throne that marks the formal start of a new session of Parliament. The trip is the King’s first Royal Visit to Canada since his coronation, and his 20th overall trip to the country.

The Throne Speech is written by the Prime Minister’s office on behalf of the Monarch and lays out the priorities of the incoming government. It is usually read by the Governor General in her role as the Monarch’s representative. This year’s speech is only the third ever delivered by a sitting Monarch, and the first in nearly fifty years. The late Queen Elizabeth was the first Monarch to open a session of Parliament during her 1957 visit to Canada; she gave a second throne speech in 1977, during her Silver Jubilee Tour.

The King’s speech focused on Canada’s place in a “changing world”, emphasizing the country’s right to self-determination and unique identity. Reflecting on his own visits to Canada, the King asserted a fondness for the country and the strength it draws from its diverse roots. He called Canada a “force for good” in the world, and lauded the recent upswing in Canadian national pride. The King received a standing ovation when he declared that “the True North is, indeed, strong and free.”

While the Throne Speech is usually a matter of routine, it has taken on additional significance in the context of President Trump’s threats to annex Canada. Carney’s unusual decision to invite the King to personally open Parliament has been analyzed as a move to distinguish Canada from the United States, by emphasizing its status as a constitutional monarchy and its ties to the Commonwealth. Carney said that the speech was intended to highlight “Canadian institutions” and promote national unity. In his speech, the King described the monarchy as a force for stability and continuity.

It seems that Canadians are starting agree with this view, perhaps in reaction to Trump’s hostility to the country. At the start of Charles’ reign two years ago, nearly 2/3 of Canadians answered that it was time to reconsider the status of the monarchy, with some suggesting that Canada could transition to a US-style presidential system.

However, it seems many Canadians have changed their minds in recent months. The latest polling shows that about half of Canadians believe that the King’s visit to open Parliament is good for the country’s sovereignty, compared to 22% opposed. Charles’ personal popularity has also increased by roughly ten points in the same time frame. And even in Quebec, the province most hostile to the monarchy, supporters and opponents of the King’s speech are roughly even, at about 1/3 of the population.

Image of Mark Carney with King Charles by Chris Young, The Canadian Press

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Commercial Officer, Ontario (Canadian Consulate General in San Francisco)

Application deadline: June 3

The Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco is seeking to hire a commercial officer to work with the Ontario International Trade and Investment Office to build commercial and cultural relations between Ontario and the Bay Area.

Under the general direction of the Head of Program, the successful applicant will promote the commercial interests of Ontario companies through export promotion, foreign direct investment attraction, and partnership development.

Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree and have at least two years of experience in business development, economic development, or program management.

This selection process is open to applicants legally residing in the San Francisco region at the time of appointment. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Please note that the Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.

For more information and to apply, click here.

EXTERNAL EVENTS

The SF Expat Canadian Meetup Group 13th Annual Canada Day Celebration

Tues., June 24 | 5:30 pm | San Francisco, CA | RSVP

Join the San Francisco Canadian Expat Meetup Group to celebrate Canada Day in the city! ​Wear your red & white, rep your favourite Canadian team gear, and get ready to sing, “Oh Canada!” with fellow Canadians! Everyone is welcome – bring friends, family and coworkers. The event will be held in a new location with its own lane this year – which means block party! Learn more via Meetup.

Berkeley Club of Canada Summer Mixer in Toronto

Fri., June 27 | 6:00 pm | Toronto, ON | RSVP

The Berkeley Club of Canada invites all Toronto-area Bears to their summer mixer – a vibrant evening dedicated to fostering connections and celebrating our shared Berkeley spirit. This is a wonderful opportunity to mingle with fellow alumni, engage with current students, and warmly welcome the newest members of the Cal family. Please RSVP by June 20.

Digital Moose Lounge Canada Day Picnic

Sat., June 28 | 11:00 am | San Mateo, CA | Tickets

Our friends at the DML invite you to celebrate Canada’s birthday at their always-popular annual Canada Day Picnic on the Peninsula. Enjoy a family-friendly afternoon of games and activities for all ages along with a delicious BBQ lunch. Meet new friends and reconnect with old ones as you embrace your Canadian pride. Remember to wear your red & white Canada gear, alumni colors or support your favorite Canadian sports team.

Canadian Studies Program

213 Philosophy Hall #2308

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Canadian Studies Announcements

In This Issue:

News from Berkeley

• Canadian Studies celebrates outgoing director Richard A. Rhodes

News from California

• California tourism takes a hit as Canadians cancel US travel plans

Academic Opportunities

• Call for applications: Immigration Research Initiative (IRI) Doctoral Visiting Fellowships at Concordia University

External Events

• Royal Canadian Legion Memorial Day Service

NEWS FROM BERKELEY

Canadian Studies hosted a small party last Friday to thank our outgoing director, Professor Richard A. Rhodes, for his many years of dedication to the Program. Professor Rhodes has been involved with Canadian Studies since its earliest days. After many years as co-director under Professor Bloemraad, he assumed the role of interim director in 2023 while the search was conducted for a new permanent director. Following Professor Hidetaka Hirota’s appointment as director last year, Professor Rhodes agreed to stay on as co-director for a year. He will officially step down from that role on July 1.

In attendance to offer their good wishes to Professor Rhodes were current and former members of the Program’s Advisory Board, faculty affiliates, staff, graduate student fellowship recipients, and representatives of the Canadian Consulate in San Francisco. Attendees enjoyed mingling as they shared stories about Canadian Studies over the years and expressed their gratitude to Professor Rhodes for his leadership. We wish him the best in retirement, and many new adventures!

NEWS FROM CALIFORNIA

California Tourism Takes a Hit as Canadians Cancel US Travel Plans

The US-Canada trade war is affecting California’s tourism sector, as backlash to the Trump Administration is prompting Canadians to cancel their US travel plans. While travel to the US is down across the board, the decline from Canada has been particularly steep. Recently published data shows that arrivals from Canada fell for a second straight month in March, decreasing nearly 16% from last year. This exceeds the broader 11% decrease seen across all international travel, and compounds the 12% decrease in travel from Canada registered in February.

These trends are concerning for California’s tourism industry, which is one of the largest in the US and forms a significant part of the state economy. International visitors are a disproportionate source of tourism revenue; while only comprising 6% of total tourists, they accounted for 17% of spending. And Canada has long been a top source of tourists. Last year, over 1.8 million Canadians visited California, spending over $3.2 billion. Even with recent tensions, over 81,000 Canadians entered the state in March, the largest number of arrivals from any foreign country.

A recent report suggests things may be even worse for San Francisco. It predicts a 19% drop in visitors to the city from Canada this year, representing almost 60,000 people. And Air Canada announced that it would be cutting some direct flights to San Francisco later this year due to weakening demand.

In response to this problem, Governor Gavin Newsom and Visit California, the state tourism board, launched a $5.2 million campaign to entice Canadian tourists back to the state. The campaign seeks to distance California from the Trump administration, which it blames for the tensions. In a video message to Canadians, Newsom noted that California is “2,000 miles from Washington and a world away in mindset.” The campaign positions the state as welcoming and accepting, appealing to the values it shares with Canadians. It will also highlight Canadians’ contributions to California, such as businesses owned by Canadians, landmarks designed by Canadians, and even acknowledging a Vancouver chef’s disputed claim to inventing the California roll.

Will this campaign work? The CBC spoke to travel agents in Canada who have their doubts. According to consultant McKenzie McMillan, interest in US travel has almost completely evaporated over the last few months, with Canadians rerouting their travel to other, friendlier countries. While few Canadians are specifically upset with California, the anger at the US government over Trump’s tariffs and “51st state” comments will be difficult to overcome. Many Canadians are boycotting the United States, and a perception of effectiveness can only strengthen their resolve. Last month, BC official Ravi Kahlon, who is leading the province’s response to the trade war, praised Canadians who took a stand by cancelling their US vacations. It will likely prove difficult to overcome the emotional valence and social dynamics on this issue through mere advertising.

Image: Air Canada plane by Eddie Maloney, via Wikimedia Commons.

ACADEMIC OPPORTUNTIES

Call for Applications: Immigration Research Initiative (IRI) Doctoral Visiting Fellowships at Concordia University

Deadline: June 1

The Immigration Research Initiative (IRI) at Concordia University in Montreal has issued a call for applications for its 2025 Doctoral Visiting Fellowships. This program offers two three-month fellowships for doctoral students based outside Quebec, whose research aligns with IRI’s focus. Fellows will collaborate with Professors Antoine Bilodeau and/or Mireille Paquet during their stay at Concordia.

Projects should relate to either feelings of national identification among immigrants and ethnocultural minorities, or the place of immigration and ethnocultural diversity in the construction of national identity within the host society. Priority will be given to projects focusing on Quebec and/or other multinational states, but proposed projects may also focus on other case studies.

The award is worth CAD $8,000 to cover travel and living expenses while at Concordia. Selected candidates must be present at Concordia University for a period of 3 months and must complete their stay before December 20, 2025.

For more information and to apply, click here.

EXTERNAL EVENTS

Royal Canadian Legion Memorial Day Service

Saturday, May 24 | 11:00 am | Colma, CA

Branch 25 of the Royal Canadian Legion, representing the San Francisco Bay Area, invites you to their annual Memorial Day Service. The service will take place at the Royal Canadian Legion plot in the Greenlawn Memorial Park in Colma.

If you are unable to attend in person, you can register to watch the live stream on Zoom here.

Canadian Studies Program

213 Philosophy Hall #2308

Website | LinkedIn | Email | Donate