» Money Gone ?

secondary institutions, particularly our universities, to play a stronger role in keep-

ing Canada competitive.’” The CMA report.

goes even farther in stressing the importance of a university education. It maintains that there is a link between the economic success of a region and the quality ofits universities.

lronically, as financial

support has decreased,

university education is be- ing recognized as an asset to our national communi-

At the same time, the report recognizes that the training of individuals in the so-called “practical disciplines,’’ is not our only priori-

ty

Canada’s com-.

petitiveness and growth reguire not only scientists and engineers but also

individuals skilled in the humanities and _ social sciences and in a variety of technical and non- technical areas. Studies of leaders in various fields show that those who br- ing a breadth of knowledge to their jobs

make the greatest con- tribution.

John Polanyi, the University of Toronto professor who recently won a Nobel Prize for Chemistry, has not only stated that, because of lack of opportunities available to researchers in Canada, he would not advise young scientists looking for suc- cessful careers to remain in this country, but also that “‘if we neglect our univer- sities we are neglecting thought’’. In his eyes, this is something that “‘surely we can’t allow ourselves to do.”’

Despite all the ‘‘gloom and doom”, there has been some recent attempt to look closely at the problems facing univer- sities. This fall, the federal and provincial governments jointly sponsored a national consultation on PSE; the conclusions of which will be presented to the Secretary of State and the Council of Ministers of Education in February. Regionally, students, faculty members and university administrators have attempted to impress upon government and the public the urgency of the situation.

Layout by: Heather McNaught

MARITIME UNIVERSITIES, SCHOOLS & HOSPITALS PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

} MM UNIVERSITIES | @ SCHOOLS 4 WA HOSPITALS

BILLIONS of CURRENT $

Canadian

Federation CFS of Students

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 19&5 1986 1987 YEAR ENDING IN

Source: Statistics Canada and MPHEC

canadienne des étudiantes

cecgatee CE

Many thanks to The Brunswickan who supplied this page.

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