Organization
Industry
Post-Secondary
Services
Government Relations, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Communications
Named national co-lead in the $16.2M Sustainable Food Systems for Canada (SF4C) network.
A unifying vision for UFV’s food, health, agriculture and Indigenous engagement work
Strengthened relationships with provincial agencies, municipalities and industry innovators
Charting a Path Forward
The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is uniquely positioned to lead in the multidisciplinary field of One Health, thanks to its strong regional and Indigenous partnerships, academic programming, and community focus. Canadian Strategy Group supported UFV in refining its vision, aligning the initiative with stakeholder priorities, and crafting a strategic case for longevity and success. This included actioning a roadmap that leverages UFV’s existing assets and positions the institution as a credible partner in advancing the identification of questions and integrated solutions at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health.
Challenge
The Challenge: Realizing a Collaborative Vision Rooted in Place
UFV recognized the opportunity to unify its strengths in food systems, public health, Indigenous partnerships, and applied research into a bold, future-facing platform capable of attracting investment, demonstrating leadership, and aligning with government and stakeholder priorities.
With a unique place-based advantage in the Fraser Valley, a region deeply connected to agricultural innovation, health, and Indigenous knowledge, UFV is well-positioned to lead. However, the university required support to develop a cohesive narrative and strategy that could knit together internal capabilities and articulate a compelling case for collaboration. At the same time, under-leveraged physical assets and evolving relationships with community and government stakeholders required renewed alignment and focus to activate the university’s vision for the One Health Hub.
Approach
A Roadmap for Recognition
Canadian Strategy Group worked closely with UFV leadership and faculty, local Indigenous members, elected and unelected decision makers, industry influencers and other key stakeholders to develop a full government relations and stakeholder engagement strategy to support the development, governance and external positioning of the One Health Hub. Our work included:
- Defining and sharpening UFV’s value proposition in the One Health space;
- Mapping strategic alignment with provincial goals in health, agriculture, climate resilience and Indigenous partnership;
- Creating an internal roadmap to guide cross-campus coordination and momentum; and
- Identifying strategic opportunities for engagement, partnership, and investment.
Outcome
From Vision to Momentum
Through a focused and collaborative approach, Canadian Strategy Group helped UFV clarify its One Health vision and translate it into a credible and actionable strategy. With positive alignment to government priorities and clear articulation of the Hub’s value, UFV is now positioned to engage funders, convene partners, and lead regional conversations about interconnected innovation across food systems, public health, environmental sustainability, and Indigenous partnership. The university’s renewed strategy has unlocked new momentum and created the foundation for long-term and sustainable impact.
“At UFV, we recognized the opportunity to leverage our existing assets, partnerships, and place-based strengths to lead in the One Health space. Canadian Strategy Group helped us turn that vision into an actionable strategy by aligning our goals with regional and provincial priorities and positioning UFV as a catalyst for innovation and community well-being.”
Dr. James Mandigo
President and Vice Chancellor of the University