THUNDER BAY, Ont. (CUP) — A full house of curious and concerned citizens greeted Ontario’s post-secondary education review, led by former premier Bob Rae, at its first town hall meeting Oct. 4.
Although review’s preliminary discussion paper was issued a mere four days prior to the Thunder Bay meeting-the first of 16- the two-hour forum overflowed with eager questions from academics, teachers and other groups.
The review will offer recommendations on the design, funding and accountability of the post-secondary system, as well as performance measurement and the role of international students. Sitting at centre stage, supported by three members from his panel, Rae sat comfortably and explained the logic behind the review for five minutes before opening the floor to the public. Comments included the need for better educational infrastructure and accessibility in Aboriginal and remote communities.
“If we are to make these communities self-sustainable, these children must become literate,” one attendee said.
High school teacher Tom Baxter talked about “over-compassion in our post secondary education system, especially universities.”
“Access should be granted if you meet the standard,” he said. “The standard should not be lowered to grant access . . . university does not mean universal access.”
He said quality, not quantity was needed to build a powerful society of leaders for tomorrow.
“An undergraduate university degree,” another attendee said, “is the equivalent of a high school degree 30 years ago.”
-Suzanne Halet
(Argus, Lakehead University)
