Changes are needed to the legislation governing
Memorial University to protect its autonomy and the Official Opposition
will be bringing forth a private members motion calling for these changes
on the first day of the coming session of the House of Assembly, says
Opposition Education Critic Roland Butler.
Butler will be attending a public forum this evening
at Memorial University to discuss the issue of autonomy. This will be the
inaugural “Hot Topics” series at the university and the tonight’s
debate is entitled “Autonomy of Memorial University: Why it Matters.”
“Tonight’s debate promises to be an interesting
discussion into the autonomy, or lack thereof, of Memorial University,”
said Mr. Butler. “I will be outlining the direction we will be taking as
an Official Opposition to seek changes to the Memorial University Act to
protect autonomy. This will be an important issue in the House of Assembly
in the coming weeks and I will be bringing forth a motion that will call
for legislative changes to protect the university and limit government
interference.
“I want to complement the organizers of this forum
and I hope this type of discussion will bring forward good ideas and
healthy debate. I also look forward to hearing differing points of view
and I encourage Education Minister Joan Burke to attend to ensure she
hears the discussion and has an opportunity to outline what she sees as
her role in this overall process.”
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Media Contact:
Darrell Mercer
Director of Communications
Office of the Official Opposition
Tel: (709) 729-6151 or (709) 687-0477