The Librarians’ and Archivists’ Association of the University of Waterloo unequivocally stands by our Laurentian University (Laurentian) colleagues in demanding better. We echo the expression of solidarity for our colleagues at Laurentian put forth by the Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo (FAUW).
Laurentian’s delivery of programs and services that address the needs of English, French, and Indigenous communities is one of the few instances in Canada where the higher education needs of systemically underserved and marginalized communities are prioritized. We are very concerned about the impact the loss of vital programming and services will have on students, staff, faculty, northern communities, and higher education overall, since Laurentian is Canada's only university with a tricultural mandate. The immediate and long-term impact on northern communities and the Canadian academic landscape are myriad.
Specifically:
- It is deeply troubling that the process of engagement, to date, has abandoned collegial decision making and dialogue in favour of unilateral decision making. This type of crisis calls for a public and collegial oversight process, that includes the voices of students, staff, faculty and the community.
- Universities are public institutions, and we oppose the use of the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act. The failure of the federal and provincial governments to provide temporary relief funds and financial support that ensures Laurentian’s long-term stability underscores a broader issue of undermining the protection of academic freedom and protecting quality education and research. Laurentian is undergoing a crisis that was avoidable. The overall funding of higher education institutions in Ontario is unsustainable, inequitable, and untenable.
- Federal and provincial governments are capable of intervening and ensuring Laurentian is returned to a sustainable operating model. This type of intervention is not new - Air Canada and General Motors are two examples where government intervention was used to address financial hardship of entities deemed essential to the Canadian landscape, a model that should be used to support Laurentian University.
Like FAUW, LAAUW is appalled at how this situation has been handled. Higher education, especially an institution that is focused on supporting the economic growth, community, and lasting investment in Northern Ontario deserves the same access to government support and intervention that corporations receive. What has occurred is abhorrent at any time but is especially egregious during a global pandemic.
We urge our colleagues both within our institution and at other institutions to review and sign the following petition and letter: Demand Funding to Save Laurentian – Organized by the Ontario Federation of Labour.
N.B. This letter is not endorsed by, nor does it speak on behalf of the University of Waterloo Library.
