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A foundation to build upon

A foundation to build upon Re Canadian University of the Arctic: Last week's announcement that Yukon College has joined with Aurora College and the Nunavut Arctic College to establish the legal foundation for a Canadian University of the Arctic is very e

Re Canadian University of the Arctic:

Last week’s announcement that Yukon College has joined with Aurora College and the Nunavut Arctic College to establish the legal foundation for a Canadian University of the Arctic is very exciting news for Yukon.

As the only circumpolar country without a University of the Arctic we are currently lagging behind our northern neighbours around the globe. This week’s announcement will go a long way to closing that gap.

We are encouraged by the support the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs has shown for this concept and urge the minister and government of Canada to help make the new university a reality. At the same time, the government of Yukon has a role to play and we encourage the minister of Education to do what he can to bring this project to fruition.

That would include ensuring the first ‘campus’ of the new university is located in the Yukon. There will obviously be more funding required from both levels of government to make this happen.

A University of the Arctic located in Yukon would have a significant impact on the future of Yukon. Many of the young Yukoners who currently pursue their advanced education elsewhere in Canada may choose to continue their education in Yukon. Many other young people from across Canada and beyond might come to Yukon to obtain their university degrees. The additional educational opportunities would be a catalyst toward moving Yukon forward into the emerging green and information economies.

We in the Liberal caucus wish Dr. Terry Weninger, president of Yukon College, all the best as he pursues this opportunity.

Arthur Mitchell, MLA Copperbelt Leader of the Official Opposition

Whitehorse