We are pleased to announce that our scholarships for newcomer students at the University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College have been increased to $1000 and will be renamed the Craig Mackie Newcomer Scholarship, after the former Executive Director of the Association.

Craig Mackie served as the Executive Director for Immigrant & Refugee Services Association PEI (formerly 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 from a one-day street fair to a major series of events held in multiple communities across the Island each summer.

Craig was an unwavering champion for new immigrants settling in the province and made constant efforts to personally meet as many newcomers as possible—he would learn their greetings and salutations and greet them in their own language whenever he could. He was tireless in promoting the integration aspect of the Association's mission, and the well-being of newcomers was a driving principle in his work with IRSA.

Before joining the Association, 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 these scholarships in honoring 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.