Colleagues,
Our recent discussions regarding the state of University finances and enrollment makes the upcoming provincial election one that is timely and important to the future of our collective working conditions. Underfunding, precarity, and the marketization of higher education over decades of austerity politics in Ontario have brought us to the crisis moment the University and College sectors find itself in now. We do not need to look far to see the devastating effect that Canada’s lowest per-capita funding is having; and, if we look just slightly further, the need for engaged academics in the public sphere.
I recently attended the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) and Education International Academic Freedom Conference and heard updates from around the globe on the rise of threats against academic freedom. From very real threats on physical safety to attempts to silence and intimidate faculty, we are seeing these threats on multiple fronts working to undermine education and research as keys to a strong and functional democracy.
This special Ontario Election Newsletter, put together by our new Communications & Engagement Officer Kodie Trahan-Guay, is a timely resource and a call to action. Whether it is asking questions of your local candidates about supporting higher education, writing an op-ed for your local newspapers, or just engaging with friends and family on the issues we are facing in the sector – this is our opportunity to put education front of mind.
The current funding crisis in Ontario is a threat to our collective academic freedom. Without proper resources, we cannot teach, research, or act in the public interest. A strong University sector means a strong democracy.
In solidarity,Dwayne Collins
Acting President