Dear Colleagues,
Since my message on Friday regarding concerns about Bill 18, AASUA has continued speaking out publicly about the danger the bill poses to post-secondary research in our province. Bill 18 will require post-secondary institutions across the province to receive provincial approval to obtain federal research grants. Premier Smith made alarming comments on the bill during an interview on CBC’s Power & Politics, a clip of watch is available here.
This afternoon, my op-ed on the topic was published online in the Edmonton Journal, and will run in print tomorrow morning. I have also spoken to CBC about AASUA’s position on the bill. Additionally, I have requested a meeting with the Minister of Advanced Education, Rajan Sawhney.
It remains our stance that the Board of Governors must defend our institutional autonomy by speaking out publicly on this issue. I have heard directly from President Bill Flanagan that University Administration will be “communicating more fully with the university community” on the topic this week.
I am hopeful this communication will assert the BoG’s robust defence of our academic freedom, and chart a course forward for advocacy to protect the U of A’s credibility as a major research and teaching university.
Sincerely,
Gordon Swaters
AASUA President