NB 957
June 26, 2008
FREDERICTON (CNB) - The government has unveiled accountability mechanisms as part of Be Inspired. Be Ready. Be Better. The Action Plan to Transform Post-Secondary Education in New Brunswick.
Premier Shawn Graham announced today that each public university and anglophone and francophone community college will appear annually before a standing committee of the legislative assembly.
In addition, each public institution will annually submit a five-year strategic plan and an annual business plan to the central agency responsible for post-secondary education.
"It is critically important that benchmarks are put in place so New Brunswickers can monitor progress," said Graham. "As part of modernizing the funding formulas for these institutions, we need real measurements along with performance contracts, performance criteria, and targets related to the government's goal of self-sufficiency."
As part of the plan, Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Ed Doherty will preside over a ministerial advisory committee on post-secondary education. Doherty said that the committee will be made up of students, academics and community leaders, and will meet four times a year. This will ensure accountability by directly engaging residents in the process of monitoring and reporting on the performance of the post-secondary education system.
"It is essential to have ongoing input from students and stakeholders," said Doherty. "This committee is consistent with our goals to make the system more student-focused and have greater links and partnerships in our regions. It is another example of how we are enabling New Brunswickers to be informed and be involved in our shared goal of self-sufficiency."
The committee will provide advice and recommendations to the minister on ways to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of the system. The minister may refer issues to the committee for their advice.
The government's plan to transform post-secondary education is available online.
08/06/26
MEDIA CONTACT: Elaine Bell, communications, Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, 506-453-2568
08/06/26