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Legislation introduced to make Algoma U independent

NEWS RELEASE DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP ************************* Orazietti and Minister Milloy announce legislation supporting an independent Algoma University McGuinty government moves forward with historic bill to improve education in Sault Ste.
AUCTower

NEWS RELEASE

DAVID ORAZIETTI, MPP

************************* Orazietti and Minister Milloy announce legislation supporting an independent Algoma University

McGuinty government moves forward with historic bill to improve education in Sault Ste. Marie

QUEEN's PARK, ON - (May 26) - David Orazietti, MPP was joined by John Milloy, minister of training, colleges and universities, Dr. Celia Ross, president of Algoma University College (AUC) and Bud Wildman, chair of the AUC board at Queen’s Park today to announce new legislation supporting an independent AUC in Sault Ste. Marie.

“Our government recognizes that a degree-granting charter would not only strengthen Algoma University College but would also have a significant, positive impact on our community’s economic, cultural, and social landscape,” said Orazietti. “The introduction of legislation that would create an independent Algoma University is a historic event for our city, as it would not only greatly improve post secondary education opportunities but symbolizes Sault Ste. Marie’s recent growth and enhanced capacity to support this new institution.”

Shortly after 1 p.m. this afternoon, Minister Milloy introduced a new bill in the Ontario legislature that would see Algoma University College attain degree-granting status.

The legislation would make the school independent from Laurentian University in Sudbury for the first time in the school’s 40-year history.

“This is an important step forward for Algoma College and an important development for Sault Ste. Marie," Milloy said. "It will help improve access to post-secondary education in the North and help the Algoma region’s economy grow.”

The bill passed first reading in the legislature today and will be subject to debate upon second reading expected to take place later this spring.

With independence, the school is projected to more than double in size to approximately 3,000 students and increase enrollment from across the province and around the globe.

“Algoma University College is delighted," said Ross. "The introduction of the charter legislation and the passing of the first reading in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario today is a giant step towards the launching of the new Algoma University.”

“Algoma U students are future leaders that use their education earned here to transform their communities. We will be the university for students who want innovative, community-based hands-on, programs in technology, science, business, and liberal arts,” Ross said.

Creating a new university is a significant event in the province’s history.

Algoma is only the fourth new public university created in Ontario in the past 30 years.

“As a former board of governors' member at AUC and having advocated for the school to be granted a charter for nearly a decade, this is great news for our community,” said Orazietti. “I want to thank Premier McGuinty and Minister John Milloy for their tremendous support in moving forward with legislation to make Algoma University College an independent degree granting institution.”

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