So... Post Secondary Isn't An Issue?

Conservatives 'Snub' Premiers' Education Summit

February 24, 2006
Source: Liberal Party of Canada

Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s decision to ignore the meeting of Canada’s provincial and territorial premiers in Ottawa to discuss post-secondary education and skills training is “totally unacceptable,” Deputy Leader of the Opposition Lucienne Robillard said today.

“This snub shows that not only are post-secondary education and skills training not priorities for this government, but it also shows the lack of importance this prime minister places on having good federal-provincial relations. It is totally unacceptable,” said Ms. Robillard, a former Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

“Where is Human Resources and Social Development Minister Diane Finley? Where is Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Michael Chong? Are they saying that they don’t care what the provinces and territories have to say about the direction they want to go in these key areas?
“At the very least, these ministers should be sending their own representatives to set the groundwork for a good working relationship with the provinces and territories,” said Ms. Robillard.

The summit is bringing together university officials, students, labour groups, and others to ensure there is common ground among those who have a stake in education and skills training and the politicians who fund it. The Council of the Federation invited all four federal political parties to participate, but only the Liberal and Bloc sent representatives.

MP Mike Savage, Liberal critic for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Chair of the Liberal Caucus on PSE and Research, said, “If provinces and territories are to help determine the future of post-secondary education and skills training in this country, isn’t it imperative that the federal government be part of this process?”

Mr. Savage dismissed Prime Minister Harper’s attempt to assuage the snub to the premiers by inviting them to an informal dinner at 24 Sussex tonight to hear their concerns.

“This is just not good enough,” said Mr. Savage. “The Canadian government needs to be a part of this process. They need to be at the table discussing post-secondary education and skills training with those who know first-hand what is required to make it a success.

“If this is an indication of what we can expect from Mr. Harper’s government with regards to federal-provincial relations, then this country is in deep trouble,” he said.