About the Institute


The MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance at Dalhousie University is a nationally focused, non-partisan, interdisciplinary institute designed to support the development of progressive public policy and to encourage greater citizen engagement.

In February 2015, the Directors of the MacEachen Institute for Policy and Government announced a donation to Dalhousie University of $2.25 million. The donation was used to establish the Institute in the name of the Honourable Allan J. MacEachen.

A partnership with national reach

The MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance at Dalhousie University provides an effective non-partisan mechanism to expand the reach and impact of the Institute’s work. As such, it enables us to build on Mr. MacEachen’s legacy by promoting vigorous debate on progressive public policy issues. Most importantly, it encourages and engages active participation by Canadian citizens in civic activities ranging from community and neighbourhood issues to issues of national concern.

Independent and informed

The Institute looks at progressive ways to tackle public policy and governance issues through open discussion with a variety of informed players and aims to serve as the “go to” place provincially, regionally and nationally for rich, robust public policy debate, discussion and research. The MacEachen Institute at Dalhousie University engages scholars, students and community members in the development of policy options, policy research and other outputs of the Institute.