The provincial government says it has a “constructive working relationship” with Memorial University, but it won’t agree to increase MUN’s funding as the university stares down a nearly $9-million deficit.
Last week, a coalition of nearly 20 unions and campus associations called on the province to step in and increase MUN’s funding.
In a statement to VOCM News, the department of education says they pump $400-million in to the institution every year, representing over 70 per cent of MUN’s operating revenue.
The province calls that among the largest sums of provincial funding provided to a public university in the country.
Government says MUN is an autonomous organization, and as such it is responsible for operational decisions related to salaries and infrastructure.
That said, government indicates it will continue to speak with MUN regarding the issues it is facing.
