I’m writing in response to the recent View from the West article “BU strike symptom of deeper funding issues.” As someone who represents hundreds of dedicated and highly-qualified faculty at colleges and smaller universities throughout the province, I strongly disagree with his assessment that funding such institutions is part of the “deeper funding issues” that have led to the Brandon University strike.
All post-secondary institutions in Manitoba face resource challenges. But it’s disingenuous to imply that funders are starving out certain mainstream or “core” academic institutions so they can “divert” these funds to “marginal” academic experiences in Northern communities or community colleges.
The funds invested in institutions such as the University College of the North, Université de Saint Boniface, and colleges throughout the province are intended to achieve goals distinct from our three main academic institutions and must be discussed on their own merit. These funds aim to address needs within a civil society and a diverse economy that have nothing to do with where our “core” universities rank on any Maclean’s list. Instead, they aim to provide access for marginalized populations, opportunities for applied research and training for in-demand skills such as trades.
Lois Wales
President
Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union