University heads to appear before the Committee on Culture and Education

MONTREAL, Aug. 16 /CNW Telbec/ - In keeping with the Act respecting educational institutions at the university level, the heads of Quebec's universities will be heard by the Quebec National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education, from today through September 7.

Quebec universities are committed to an ongoing accounting process, under which they regularly make public a variety of information. At least once every three years, university heads are required to appear before the Committee to present their financial statements, a statement of the salaries paid to administrative personnel, a performance report and a report on development prospects.

"As the people in charge of institutions of higher learning working for the public good, the rectors and principals take this accounting process very seriously. They also see this as an excellent opportunity to dialogue with elected representatives," said Denis Brière, Chair of the CREPUQ Board of Directors and Rector of Université Laval.

"This year's hearing is particularly important, as it is taking place not long before the Rencontre des partenaires de l'éducation, the meeting of partners in education to be held by the government later in the fall. The exchanges should allow for a discussion of key issues for our universities and, by extension, for Quebec society as a whole," added Daniel Zizian, President and Director General of CREPUQ.

CREPUQ includes all 18 Quebec universities. The organization acts as their voice in relations with government and milieus concerned with university education and research. It also fosters coordination and collaboration between universities, is a research centre for university administrations, acts as a centre for coordination and joint service delivery, and is a resource centre and think tank for its members.

For further information: Chantal Pouliot, Director of Communications, Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities, 514 288-8524, ext. 244