The Institute of Political Economy extends sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mat Nelson, who passed away on January 17 after a long illness. Mat was a doctoral student in the Department of Political Science, and took part in our Collaborative PhD with a Specialization in Political Economy. Mat was close to submitting the final draft of his doctoral dissertation, provisionally titled “Race, War, and Bio-Power: A Political Genealogy of State Racism in Canada.” According to Mat’s supervisor, its highly original and important contribution was to challenge the way in which race and racism is understood in the context of today’s politics of counterterrorism and Islamophobia, using a pioneering historical approach. His work enriched scholarship on the politics of security and suggested new avenues in the fight for social justice.
Mat’s commitment to social justice was evident to everyone who knew him. He served his union, CUPE 4600, for many years, on the executive board and as president, and was President of the Ottawa CUPE District Council from 2013 to 2016.
A celebration of life will take place 28 January at 1pm at the Wooler Quaker Church (1355 Old Wooler Road) in Brighton, Ontario. Rest in peace, Mat. You will be missed by many.