Ministry 'disappointed' by LU's exit from Barrie

Minister of Training Colleges and Universities Reza Moridi has issued a statement saying he's disappointed by Laurentian University's announcement that it will shut down its operations in Barrie by 2019.

In a press release issued Friday, Laurentian said the ministry's decision last year to reject a new Laurentian campus in Barrie factored into its decision. Laurentian currently operates out of Georgian College in Barrie.

Moridi's full statement is as follows:

“Our government is committed to strengthening post-secondary education in Barrie and Simcoe County. We were disappointed to learn today that Laurentian University decided to move forward with a plan to cease its operations in Barrie and Simcoe County.

“We have long been focused on ensuring that students in the region have the best access possible to high-quality degree programs and have been working closely with Georgian College, Laurentian University and Lakehead University on how best to expand access to high-quality, degree-level education in Barrie, Orillia and surrounding communities.

“Last summer, we asked lawyer and former cabinet minister John Gerretsen to consult with the three post-secondary institutions, local student leaders and other key community members for recommendations to improve collaboration between the post-secondary institutions and expand options available to students.

“We asked Mr. Gerretsen to identify ways to support the building of relationships between the three institutions to streamline programming while keeping options open for other institutions to join the University Partnership Centre. We also asked him to provide, in partnership with the institutions, a program delivery plan consistent with the Strategic Mandate Agreement of each institution.

“Over four months, Mr. Gerretsen facilitated productive discussions between the institutions, each of whom deliver degree programs in the region. As a result of these conversations, he has completed a report of recommendations for long-term post-secondary solutions, and we believe the recommendations provide a fair and balanced path forward for post-secondary education in Barrie and Simcoe County.

“We will use the insights and opportunities identified in the report to work with Georgian College and Lakehead University to expand options available to students and support a new collaborative partnership between the institutions.

“We are disappointed that we could not find a path forward in Barrie and Simcoe County that builds on the unique strengths of all three institutions. We are pleased, however, that Laurentian has communicated that a plan is in place to ensure a smooth transition for students who are impacted by this decision. We look forward to working with them to support the best interests and outcomes for students in the region.

“The future of post-secondary education in Simcoe County remains bright. Given the new circumstances, I have asked ministry officials to meet with Georgian College and Lakehead University in the weeks ahead to chart a clear path forward to improve access to sustainable, high-quality post-secondary programs for students in Barrie and Simcoe County.

“I also encourage other universities, in the broader region, to provide assistance to Laurentian students in Barrie who wish to complete their studies elsewhere.”