Federal Candidates – Debate on Higher Education

On April 10th, the Federal candidates of the Green, Liberal NDP and Future Parties for the district of Ottawa Centre came to the Mackenzie building to debate questions of higher education, at the invitation of CUASA for a debate on the future of higher education.

From left to right: Amanda Chabot, Canadian Future Party; Yasir Naqvi, Liberal Party and incumbent; Amanda Rosenstock, Green Party; Joel Harden, New Democratic Party; and Dominque Marshall, CUASA President who moderated of the forum. Photo: Hanan Mankal, CUASA.

Asked to share their understanding of the role of universities in their own lives, for the community, and the country, they spoke of education as a “public good” (Green), the country’s “best natural resource” (Liberal), the source of expertise to prepare for a new economy” (NDP), and best investment a country can make, when organising Public Private Partnerships, or micro degrees (Future).

Candidates diverged most on the question of the finance of higher education, Harden indicating that hard choices were required between subsidizing businesses and expanding educational opportunities; Naqvi pointing fingers at the austerity policies of the Ford provincial government; and Rosenstock proposing free higher education for all, on a north European model.

On the issue of freedom to teach, learn and think, Harden mentioned specific interventions he made in the area in his role as MPP to support victims of antisemitism in academia, protest against the suspension of Dr. Yipeng Ge Ji from the University of Ottawa as a medical resident after posting pro-Palestinian messages; Naqvi of safety, inclusion and mental health on campuses; Rosenstock on the need to raise voices against USA policies and similar policies in some Canadian provinces.

With thanks the Policy & Government Relations Officers of the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) whose campaign to “Unlock Education” framed the organisation of the debate.