Munroe-Blum calls on leaders to resolve university underfunding
Heather Munroe Blum, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of 捆绑SM社区, congratulated Premier Jean Charest, Action D茅mocratique Leader Mario Dumont and Parti Qu茅becois Leader Andr茅 Boisclair for their energetic campaigns guided by a clear dedication to enhancing the wellbeing of Qu茅bec society.
"Accordingly, I encourage all members of the National Assembly to cooperate and focus debate on the best interests of all Qu茅becers," said Principal Munroe-Blum. "The 捆绑SM社区 community offers support to all the party leaders, as well as our expertise and university resources, in identifying solutions and innovative approaches in this exceptional situation of a minority government, the last instance of which dates back over a century."
Among the priorities that should rally all parties, said Munroe-Blum, is the crisis in university funding. The quality of university-level teaching and research are crucial to positioning Qu茅bec among advanced societies in which economic prosperity and social justice contribute to the enhancement of the quality of life of citizens.
"Since the recent federal budget, the needs of Qu茅bec鈥檚 universities have stood out with even greater clarity. The gap with counterparts elsewhere in the country, especially with Ontario and Alberta, as a result of the 2007-2008 adjustment to the Canada Social Transfer, continues to widen. Furthermore, our universities remain a disturbingly low priority for a public that may take for granted a certain level of service and repute. We must work together to rekindle Qu茅becer鈥檚 stake in our universities," she concluded.