Roland Butler, Opposition Education Critic and MHA for the District of Port de Grave, is calling on Memorial University Chancellor Rick Hillier to get involved in the process of choosing a new president and protect the autonomy of the university from political interference and influence.

In a media scrum yesterday, Minister Burke stated that she conducted interviews with individuals whose names were provided by the presidential selection committee. The minister directed the committee to continue its search but would not elaborate on the reasons for rejecting the two candidates.

"Rick Hillier is a well-respected and knowledgeable individual who could help eliminate this political interference in the selection of the Memorial President," said Mr. Butler. "There is an obvious dispute between the Board of Regents and Senate who have made an impartial recommendation, and the political interference of the government. In his role as chancellor, Mr. Hillier can help protect the independence of the university and ensure that politicians do not infringe on its autonomy. The former chancellor spoke strongly against this government’s interference at the university. Some guidance from Mr. Hillier would be in the best interests of the university’s reputation and the faculty and students who have strengthened the institution over the past 50 years."

Butler also stated that the minister of education has no right under the Memorial University Act to personally interview candidates for the position and that she should leave the selection process to qualified individuals who have a background in education in the province.

"It is obvious that this government wants to control the appointment of the Memorial University President. A selection committee comprised of experts was established to find the best candidate for the position. Instead of listening to the committee’s advice, the minister decided that she would be judge and jury as to whether the best candidates were presented. The committee is much more qualified to make that decision and this is nothing more than blatant political interference. The minister should back-off and let the proper process take its course."

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