'I'd be pissed': PC education critic says AG report highlights lack of confidence in MUN leadership

PC education critic Paul Dinn says a scathing report from Newfoundland and Labrador's auditor general on facility management at Memorial University validates what students already know, and says a different approach needs to be taken to address outstanding repairs.

"It justifies exactly what they've been saying for so long. That the university's infrastructure is crumbling. Literally crumbling," Dinn told reporters Wednesday.

The report, released by Auditor General Denise Hanrahan, gave MUN a failing grade in the management of its facilities. It showed the university had $481 million in deferred maintenance liabilities as of March 2024, and that the student-paid campus renewal fund — which aims to address those liabilities — was used to purchase things like software, laptops and a tractor.

Dinn didn't hold back when asked how students should feel about the report's findings.

"I don't know if I can say this in public, but I'd be pissed. I'd be severely pissed over this," he said. "I don't have a huge amount of confidence [in leadership] right now."

Nicolas Keough, the executive director of external affairs at Memorial's student union, said none of Hanrahan's findings was surprising.

"It really frustrates me when the administration of the university continues to mismanage funds. And honestly, when that's let happen by the provincial government and the lack of oversight that they seem to have," he said.

Keough said the union hopes to meet with Education Minister Krista Lynn Howell following the report, but hopes a strategy can be developed to ensure funds are going directly into deferred maintenance and tuition reduction for students.

"We do need to see an investment in the university as a whole, so that students don't feel the cuts. Because right now, it's students that are feeling it," he said.

Dinn believes there are routes that can be taken to inject more government funds into the university, like tapping into the province's future fund. The fund, established in 2022 from contributions from non-renewable resource royalties, has grown to more than $360 million.

WATCH | Here's how government can address MUN's maintenance problems, according to Paul Dinn:

Money can be withdrawn from the fund under extraordinary circumstances, and Dinn argued the state of Memorial's infrastructure warrants it.

"Memorial University is the future for a lot of our residents. It's the future. So why are we not, if we're struck on cash, why are we not using some of that fund now?" he asked. "This is a can that can't be kicked down the road."

Dinn said he'd also like to see work done to assess Memorial's buildings and prioritize the most important work, and believes the government should wield more influence over how the university spends its money.

Howell was not available for an interview Wednesday. However, in an emailed statement to CBC News, the Department of Education said it was pleased to hear MUN has committed to implementing Hanrahan's recommendations in the report.

The statement also noted the province is investing close to $400 million into the university this year — which accounts for over 70 per cent of the total operating revenue.

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