NDP introduces Post-Secondary Education Act
The federal New Democratic Party introduced a bill in the House of Commons Thursday with the aim of providing affordable access to post-secondary education around Canada. In a press release, the NDP said the Post-Secondary Education Act, proposed by education critic Niki Ashton, is modelled after the Canada Health Act. Ashton said the future prosperity of Canada is dependent upon access to high-quality education.
Gimme a break, gimme a break
Students at the University of Alberta have voted in favour of starting the fall semester early in order to implement a fall reading week, the Gateway reported. Fifty-five percent of students
backed the referendum question, which was featured on the ballot of the annual student elections. However, with a 15.8 per cent voter turnout and narrow margin, the victory revealed the complicated nature of the project, according to outgoing student union president Nick Dehod. President-elect Rory Tighe said he will take that into account as he continues to negotiate with university administration to implement the initiative. The proposal suggested classes start before Labour Day so as to allow for extra time off around the Remembrance Day long weekend.
University of Waterloo appoints new president
Feridun Hamdullahpur was appointed president of the Ontario university by the senate and board of governors on Friday. Hamdullahpur joined the senior administration at Waterloo in 2009, according to the Waterloo Record. After a brief stint as vice-president academic and provost, he was appointed interim president in October of last year, r placing David Johnston, who left to take up his duties as Governor General. A professor of mechanical and mechatronics engineering by training, Hamdullahpur spent nine years at Carleton University as VP research and international. Both Johnston and the chair of the board of governors have praised his appointment.
Teachers to sell majority stake in MLSE
The Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan is looking to sell their shares in Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment. The pension plan is asking for a minimum of $1.5 billion for its 66 per cent stake, according to the Globe and Mail. Ontario Teachers is the MLSE’s largest shareholder. MLSE chairman Larry Tanenbaum, who owns 20.5 per cent of the corporation, is thought to be considering an acquisition. Tanenbaum has first right of refusal; if he moves through with the purchase, he will hold 60.3 percent. TD Capital, the third largest shareholder, would get 39.7 per cent of the shares if it exercised its right to buy, but it is thought unlikely that it will do so. Investment bank Morgan Stanley has been hired to find buyers. The MLSE’s assets include the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and Toronto FC.
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