As part of the wide-ranging Bill 276, Supporting Recovering and Competitiveness Act, 2021, the Ontario government added legislation to make the Northern Ontario School of Medicine an autonomous university. In response to this proposed legislation, which was announced without appropriate consultation or notice, OCUFA has made both written and verbal submissions to the Standing Committee on General Government.
In its submission, OCUFA notes that it is irresponsible for a decision of this magnitude to be made in such a short period of time, with no concrete information on funding commitments and supports; and with no consultation, proper process, or advice from experts and stakeholders.
OCUFA is calling for language on the composition and powers of the university’s Board of Governors and Senate to be added to the legislation in line with other public university acts. This amendment is essential to ensure the autonomy, good governance, and long-term viability of the new independent university.
Further, OCUFA is calling for the removal of any references to collective agreements being subject to change by regulatory powers. This amendment is needed to make the Act constitutionally valid with regards to the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.