Faculty associations across the province have been busy hosting election-related events that are putting postsecondary education on the agenda in their local ridings. A lot is at stake for higher education when voters go to the polls on June 7. Commitments to strong public funding, faculty renewal, and fairness for contract faculty are needed to support high-quality, accessible university education for Ontario students.
University of Ontario Institute of Technology Faculty Association – “On the issues: Oshawa riding town hall”
On May 23, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology Faculty Association (UOITFA), along with the Durham Region Labour Council, CUPE Ontario, Unifor Local 222 Retirees, and We Are Oshawa, hosted a town hall focused on healthcare, education, and affordability. Invitations were sent to all parties but only the NDP and Libertarian candidates responded. The town hall featured a panel of experts on several issues, including Pam Frache on affordability, Nour Alideeb on postsecondary education, Gerard O’Neill on elementary education, and Edgar Saul Godoy on healthcare. The event was moderated by UOITFA’s Mike Eklund.
Queens University Faculty Association – “Quaff with QUFA”
On March 23, the Queen’s University Faculty Association (QUFA) hosted a question and answer period with candidates from the PC, NDP, Green, and Trillium parties. The Liberal candidate was not available. At the event, Jordan Morelli, Chair of QUFA’s Political Action and Communications Committee, moderated questions from faculty and students.
Lakehead University Faculty Association – Meet and greet
On February 26, the Lakehead University Faculty Association’s (LUFA) Contract Faculty Committee hosted a meet and greet with Dr. Lise Vaugeois. Dr. Vaugeois is a contract faculty member at Lakehead University who is running to represent the riding of Thunder Bay—Superior North.