The Confederation of University Faculty Associations of B.C. has added its voice to the fray, challenging the appointment of James Moore as UNBC's next chancellor.
The organization said it is standing with UNBC's faculty association in questioning the appointment of the former federal cabinet minister.
"It is not clear what Moore brings to UNBC beyond the fact that he graduated from the institution," said Doug Baer, CUFA BC president, in a statement Thursday.
"It is also unclear how this appointment will serve UNBC. Moore was one of the most strident and confrontational critics of the Liberal party and Justin Trudeau in particular," Baer said. "Moore has stood squarely opposed to almost every single new science and research initiative promised by the recently elected federal Liberal government. UNBC should be working to achieve the best possible relations with all levels of government. This appears to be a step in the wrong direction."
Baer also attacked the Conservative's record, arguing the government muzzled scientists, steered research toward ideological projects, and cut funding to public arts institutions. This echoed criticism levied by vocal UNBC faculty members, including its faculty association.
Stephen Rader, association president, said CUFA BC’s statement shows the issue has become bigger than the university and Prince George.
“(I)t speaks to the pressure that all Canadian universities are facing to align themselves more closely with political - as opposed to societal - goals,” said Rader in an email. “It is understandable that governments would wish their publicly-funded universities to support their particular goals, but governments come and go, whereas the job of educating our youth and preparing them to be engaged, knowledgeable, and productive members of society is eternal.
“The second point is to emphasize what CUFA-BC's statement alludes to, namely that UNBC should be trying to build excellent relations with all levels of government. Appointing one of Justin Trudeau's staunchest critics as our highest official does not seem like a good way to do that. Indeed, it could easily be taken as an affront.”
Moore will start the three-year term in May 2016.
CUFA BC said Moore was appointed after "perfunctory consultation" with the UNBC Senate. According to the University Act, chancellors are nominated by the alumni association and then pass through senate consultation before going before the Board of Governors.
The association also turned its attention to Andrew Wilkinson, the Minister of Advanced Education, saying its request for meetings to "discuss Board governance issues and the politicized nature of nature of Board appointments in B.C." has been "rebuffed."
