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Montreal, December 6, 2010 – The Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities (CREPUQ) deplores the decision by student and labour groups to leave the “Meeting of education partners”. The “empty chair” policy is never a good solution and the status quo is simply not viable.

Our universities suffer from chronic underfunding which cannot go on. We must find the collective courage to make the necessary choices to rectify the situation and restore to our universities the means to fulfill their mission.

“The government’s intention to increase tuition fees has been known since last February. Student and labour groups have been aware of the meeting parameters since the beginning. The government and the other partners who continued the discussion can only note that the student and labour groups chose to withdraw from the discussions to find a solution to university underfunding that will support accessibility,” stated CREPUQ Board Chairman Denis Brière, Rector of Université Laval.

“The students’ proposal to hold États généraux is not a solution in the current context. Now it is time for action, not reflection. A number of years ago, there was collective discussion and reflection on the future of our universities. Six years ago, a special parliamentary commission was held on quality, accessibility and funding for universities and, very recently, the university heads presented their position in a parliamentary commission hearing and were able to discuss the state of the university system with members of parliament. Action is urgently needed because the performance of our university system throughout Canada and North America is becoming more fragile,” added Daniel Zizian, President and Director General of CREPUQ.

Tuition and accessibility

CREPUQ is pleased that all the parties acknowledge the lack of resources available to the universities. The government’s last budget included a tuition increase to take effect in fall 2012. CREPUQ considers that returning tuition fees to the equivalent of their 1968-1969 value is a reasonable proposal.

CREPUQ reiterates that any tuition increase must be accompanied by appropriate financial measures so that no student who has the desire and ability should be prevented from attending university for financial reasons. It is essential to maintain accessibility and CREPUQ and the other parties have made constructive proposals in this regard that warrant the government’s consideration.

Furthermore, everyone should contribute to university funding. The government has announced that it will maintain its funding for universities, and the private sector must also contribute, particularly by being encouraged to increase their philanthropic endeavours with the universities.

Universities’ commitments

In addition, during the meeting of education partners, the universities made a commitment to propose concrete measures in certain areas to bolster program quality and our institutions’ competitiveness in research, including:
 Student supervision (hire new professors, teaching support, innovative teaching methods, distance education)
 Libraries (improve the learning environment to meet the needs of new student clienteles, online periodicals, databases, electronic books)
 Support staff (libraries, computer services, registrar offices, student services, program and department secretariats)
 Acquisition, upgrading and maintenance of equipment and buildings (laboratories, scientific equipment, ICT, education-related research space)
 Support for success and perseverance (basic courses in mathematics or languages, tutoring, mentorships, coaching to prepare for examinations, supervision for emerging clienteles such as disabled students and those with learning difficulties).

Strategic reporting

The universities and a number of other parties also pointed out that the true challenge with regard to reporting is not to add layers of data or new structures, but rather to make use of the mass of available information and to enhance existing processes and practices.

For the universities, reporting must be developed from a strategic point of view so that it will contribute fully to continual improvement in the quality of education and research competitiveness. The universities suggested identifying a limited number of significant performance indicators to measure changes in the university system. In addition, CREPUQ reiterated its proposal to arrange partnership agreements between the government and the universities. These agreements would include commitments by each of the universities, as well as indicators for measuring the achievement of results.

In light of today’s discussions, the universities are asking the government to take the necessary action to allow universities to contribute fully to Québec’s social, cultural, scientific and economic development.

CREPUQ includes all Quebec universities. The organization acts as their voice in relations with government and milieus concerned with university education and research. It also fosters coordination and collaboration between universities, is a research centre for university administrations, acts as a centre for coordination and joint service delivery, and is a resource centre and think tank for its members.

Source :
Chantal Pouliot, Director of Communications
Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities
514 288-8524, ext. 244