This October, Queen’s University Industrial Relations Centre proudly celebrates our 85th anniversary. The roots of the IRC stretch back all the way to 1936, when future Principal W.A. Mackintosh, then head of the Department of Political and Economic Science, organized a conference on industrial relations for academics, government, and industry leaders.
Approximately one hundred representatives from corporations, universities and governments attended that inaugural event. It was the first conference of its kind in Canada, and it led to the formation of an industrial relations unit in 1937 that would teach, conduct research, and disseminate information to inform best practices and train leaders in human resources, labour relations and organizational development. It was the first department of its kind in the country, making us a true innovator.
Today, Queen’s IRC offers four industry-leading certificates, and 21 unique programs. We deliver in-person and virtual professional development training from coast to coast across Canada, and beyond, to hundreds of participants and organizations each year.
