Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones is calling on Education Minister Joan Burke to withdraw from the Memorial University Presidency appointment and for government to respect the Memorial University Act. Jones is also calling on Premier Danny Williams to remove Burke from the education portfolio in an effort to restore credibility to the university’s reputation.

"The actions of the minister has thrown the presidential appointment process into disarray," said Ms. Jones. "Her unilateral actions of conducting interviews with potential candidates undermines the integrity of the duly constituted search committee and the Board of Regents. The minister obviously does not understand her role or the legislation that governs this appointment. Government cannot recruit, interview, recommend, or appoint a president of their own choice."

Prior to 1973, the legislation governing Memorial University and the presidential selection allowed government to appoint the president in consultation with the Board of Regents. Following the retirement of former president Lord Stephen Taylor of Harlow, a personal appointment of Premier Smallwood, the legislation was amended to protect the autonomy of Memorial University by preventing future premiers from abusing their position. Today, the legslation states that the president of the university shall be appointed by the Board of Regents in consultation with the Senate and with the approval of the Lieutenant-Governor in Council.

"Through her reckless and irresponsible action, Minister Burke has taken us back to the days when every appointment to any public position in the province had to be personally approved by the premier or his minister. We are already seeing the repercussions of that decision with Dr. Campbell withdrawing his candidacy for the position. Unless this situation is addressed immediately, Memorial’s attractiveness for other potential presidential candidates, prospective students and faculty, research dollars and conferences could be further jeopardized. To restore any type of credibility to this process, the minister must apologize, be removed from the education portfolio and assurances given that no further interference will take place."

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