Craig Mackie, in Memory of

Craig Mackie served as the Executive Director for the Immigrant & Refugee Services Association (formerly the PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada) from early 2010 until late 2021, and it was during his stewardship that the Association more than doubled its staff and programming, increased services to the newcomer community, and turned the DiverseCity Festival which grew from a small one-day event to a full series of concerts held in multiple communities across the province.

Craig was an unwavering champion for newcomers to the province and made constant efforts to personally meet as many clients as possible and learn as many different greetings and salutations as he could. He was tireless in promoting the integration aspect of the Association’s mission, and the well-being of the newcomer community was a driving principle in his work with IRSA.

Before joining IRSA, Craig spent much of his professional career in broadcasting, primarily with the CBC. As a reporter and managing editor, Craig lived and worked in communities throughout the country; as a staunch supporter of indigenization, he was especially proud of the time he was afforded to spend in Canada’s north where he experienced firsthand what communities can achieve when they come together.

Craig’s passions in life included his family, nature, tai chi, reading, and, curling. He was introduced to the sport as a child and spent parts of the next six decades competing locally, regionally, and nationally.
IRSA is pleased to offer this scholarship honouring Craig to note his years of devoted service to the Association and his steadfast commitment to newcomers. Education and community were both very important to Craig, and assisting newcomer students in PEI, in particular those who contribute meaningfully to the community, is a fitting tribute to his memory.