CUPE PEI is calling on the provincial government to resist the establishment of private degree granting post secondary institutions in the province.
“We are very concerned with the Government decision to bring forward a new Degree Granting Act opening the door to private post secondary institutions,” said Milo Murray, president of CUPE PEI.
“We share the concerns voiced by many in the academic community and the President of UPEI that are strongly against the proposed changes and we are asking for a full consultation on this important piece of legislation.
“The Government should take the time to consult Islanders and the academic community before making major changes to higher education on the Island. There is no need to rush this legislation through Province House.”
“This legislation would clear the way for the proposed Homburg University that would grant master’s degrees in real estate. Such an institution would serve the interest of its owner, real estate developer Richard Homburg, not the public.”
“Over the years, UPEI have been successfully introducing new programs and areas of study to respond to the changing need of the workplace. The current model of public post secondary education in P.E.I. works well for Islanders.”
“Recently, the Lansbridge University, a privately operated on-line post secondary institution had its accreditation revoked in New Brunswick and because it was a private institution the students lost their money and their semester,” concluded Milo Murray.