Press release
Reinvesting in postsecondary education: “the first step in a process that must continue,” declares the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Montreal, August 9, 2006 – The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal welcomes the announcement by Jean-Marc Fournier, Quebec minister of Education, Recreation and Sports, that the government will make a significant investment in postsecondary education.
“The fact that Quebec universities and cegeps will receive increased funding is excellent news, particularly in light of the current financial situation faced by our postsecondary institutions,” stated Isabelle Hudon, president and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “Universities in particular operate in a highly competitive environment, most notably when it comes to attracting the best researchers, teachers, and students. Yet we look to these institutions to train the individuals Quebec needs to assure its success and development. There is no question that postsecondary education is a cornerstone of our collective prosperity,” she continued.
“While we applaud this reinvestment announcement, the Board of Trade believes it is just the first step in a process that must continue,” added Ms. Hudon. “We feel it is important to reiterate the position we promoted during the National Assembly education commission in 2004: anyone who benefits from high-quality postsecondary education should contribute to its funding. Therefore, the responsibility for finding a lasting solution to the under-investment in our universities is one that must be equally shared by government and students. This involves both increased spending and a lifting of the tuition freeze. At the same time, measures should be put in place to increase private sector contributions to educational funding, notably through greater participation in reducing student debt.”
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montreal and to provide individuals, merchants and businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is the largest private organization in Quebec dedicated to economic development.
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For information:
Chantal Roby
Coordinator, Communications
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: 514 871-4000, ext. 4088
croby@ccmm.qc.ca