Talks continue on Nunavut university, plans expected in spring
Education minister Paul Quassa says plan and concept could be ready for spring legislative sitting
Progress is being made towards a university in Nunavut, according to the territory's education minister.
Last year, Agnico Eagle Mines pledged $5 million to help kickstart the founding of a university in the territory, with their chairman stating the lack of an Arctic university in Canada was "scandalous."
Yesterday, in the legislative assembly, minister Paul Quassa said he is preparing an options paper for cabinet, and hopes to announce a plan and concept for the university during the spring sitting.
"Some possible options that we are currently exploring are a stand-alone university, a university college, a pan-territorial university, an Inuit Nunangat university, or some combination of these," he said.
"Attainment of post-secondary education is becoming more of a goal and reality for Nunavummiut."
Quassa also announced that a workshop will be held in Iqaluit in mid-March to discuss an Inuit Nunangat university, which would serve people from the various Inuit regions of the Arctic. The conference will include members of Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, and Laval and Carleton Universities.