NEWS RELEASE
                                                                                       Office of the Official Opposition
October 1, 2008
For Immediate Release

Opposition to push for changes to MUN legislation

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