Following preliminary discussions with members of the leadership and student organizations of the province’s public post-secondary institutions, input on a Terms of Reference for a review of the post-secondary education system is now being sought from Memorial University and College of the North Atlantic. The institutions will undertake their own consultation processes with their respective communities.

In addition, the Public Service Commission has begun a merit-based recruitment through the Independent Appointments Commission process for members to an independent committee which will lead the review. Further information can be found here www.exec-abc.gov.nl.ca/public/agency/detail/?id=799&

Once established, the committee will be guided by the Terms of Reference and will also consider the industry development plans that were created as part of The Way Forward when developing a strategic vision of public post-secondary education for the next decade.

The review, announced as part of Budget 2018, builds on the comprehensive review of the K-12 education system and the Premier’s Task Force on Improving Educational Outcomes. It will help ensure the province’s post-secondary institutions are well-positioned to meet the needs of students, address emerging labour market demands, and continue to contribute to the province’s economic growth.

This initiative delivers on commitments in The Way Forward to strengthen the province’s economic foundation and provide better services and better outcomes for residents. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong, diversified province with a high standard of living, and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.

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“We look forward to receiving the views of our post-secondary institutions, including faculty, staff and student representatives, on a Terms of Reference and to the establishment of the independent committee. It has been 14 years since a review of the public post-secondary system has been completed and with changes in our economy, our demographics and at our post-secondary institutions, a review is timely as we work to ensure they meet the needs of students and the labour market and help grow our economy.”
Honourable Al Hawkins
Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour

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Media contact
Ryan Crocker
Advanced Education, Skills and Labour
709-729-1795, 725-9595
ryancrocker@gov.nl.ca