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PHOTO & SLIDESHOW GALLERIES
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| Last updated at 8:40 AM on 10/09/08 |
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Education Minister Joan Burke. - Telegram file photo |
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Jumping the gun 
Government issues autonomy statement prematurely, without MUN's approval
DAVE BARTLETT
The Telegram
A news release intended to repair the relationship between the province and Memorial University has left egg on the face of the Department of Education.
Less than two hours after the statement was released Tuesday morning, Education Minister Joan Burke's office issued a second statement admitting that the university had not signed off on the first.
Burke and MUN acting president Eddy Campbell met Monday to discuss the university's autonomy, which has been in question ever since she told reporters earlier this summer that she had interviewed and rejected two candidates who were vying for the MUN president's job - one of whom was Campbell.
The revelation sparked complaints from the MUN Faculty Association (MUNFA), the province's opposition parties and the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT), who all said Burke's involvement jeopardized MUN's autonomy and amounted to government interference.
Interference denied
The minister and Premier Danny Williams denied that the province interfered in any way.
Tuesday's initial news first release was similar to ones released individually by Campbell and Burke in August.
"An independent university allows for the free expression of diverse ideas as well as the teaching of ideas and concepts that challenge the status quo and do not conform to particular ideologies," Burke was quoted as saying in the release.
Campbell spoke to The Telegram Tuesday about the government's miscue in sending out a news release before it was approved.
"That was a hiccup - a snafu," he said.
"I mean I'd prefer it didn't happen, but it happens. It's not a big deal.
"The government of this province is the most important partner of the university. We need to be working together. We, in fact, work well - very well - together."
Campbell says the premier was also at Monday's meeting, which shows how seriously the province is taking the issue.
"But it's clear there will have to be future discussions about university autonomy and the way that relates to the presidential search process," said Campbell, adding both sides have to clarify what the government's role is in the search.
Ultimately, Campbell says, the province wants what's best for the university.
Burke met with members of MUNFA and CAUT on Tuesday.
"We still don't have a clue as to what the government really plans to do on this issue," said MUNFA president Ross Klein, who was pleased that Burke finally met with the groups.
"It appears what the minister is doing is seeking information on how searches are handled at other universities."
Klein said MUNFA and CAUT will continue to monitor the situation, but the lack of clarity isn't helping MUN find a new president.
"The uncertainty that exists presently makes it difficult to attract the kind of world-class candidate that government would like us to attract," he said.
Burke's communications director told The Telegram the minister would not comment on her meeting with MUNFA and CAUT.
dbartlett@thetelegram.com
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10/09/08
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Donna from NL writes: When is Williams going to put the muzzel on this woman just like he appears to have done with Ross Wiseman. Wiseman all of a sudden has NO COMMENT I guess that goes with the fact he has NO BRAIN just like Joan Burke.
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| Posted 10/09/2008 at 8:49 AM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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George from Bay Roberts, Newfoundlan writes: Why in the world do the premier keep the incompetent Burke around as Minister of Education. I know Danny wants to be percieved as a person that does not make any mistakes, but, keeping Joan Burke around as Minister of Education is now starting to look ridiculous. Danny, for the sake of the province, and the education of our youth, admit this mistake and fire this person.
Sometimes, it's not all about you, sometimes the province has to come first.
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| Posted 10/09/2008 at 9:20 AM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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David from nl writes: It is great too have women in the cacaus and there are a lot of intelligent persons in the province capable of this position. Lets see one in this role.
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| Posted 10/09/2008 at 9:40 AM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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Michael from St. Jihn's, NL writes: Burke's Blunder Part 2
She really has to go. As simple as that.
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| Posted 10/09/2008 at 9:50 AM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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Kath from Qatar writes: You would at the very least expect the Premier to surround himself with competent intelligent people, but instead he prefers to have people who will agree with everything he says and do what they are told. This is the result, incompetence !
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| Posted 10/09/2008 at 9:52 AM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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Doug from St. Johns, NL writes: I am reminded of that old saying: Never blame conspiracy when incompetence will do. Or another way to describe this situation: Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity. Burke HAS to go.
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| Posted 10/09/2008 at 10:26 AM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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Christine from St. John's, NL writes: Why all the animosity toward Minister Burke? Haven't we all learned by now that anytime a member of the Williams cabinet steps in front of the microphones there's a certain someone whispering lines in their ears from behind the scenes? We don't actually believe that Minister Burke created all this MUN drama on her own, do we? Come on, people. The puppeteer is simply continuing to pull the strings. George from Bay Roberts is correct: the premier certainly does want to be perceived as someone who does not make mistakes - which is why he has his puppets make them for him. If somebody has to publicly take a fall, we can all rest assured that it won't be our dear Danny.
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| Posted 10/09/2008 at 10:35 AM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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Eddy Fan from St. Johns, NL writes: People criticize Danny for having incompetent ministers, but who does he have to choose from? His caucus is a bunch of nobodies who jumped on the bandwagon when a PC government looked likely.
As for this portfolio, Susan Sullivan will be Education Minister in the next shuffle, once she's had time as an MHA. She would have been minister immediately after the last election, but Danny really, really hates to do things when pressured. So if we all lay off telling him to get rid of Burke, he'll do it. Not before.
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| Posted 10/09/2008 at 11:30 AM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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TheOne from NL writes: People - if you are all SO disgruntled at Premier Williams I have a solution for you: vote ABC during the next Provincial election! Otherwise, sit back and enjoy the prosperity to come for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. I wish Premier Williams had to be at the helm in the 60's to 'not sign away' Churchill Falls.
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| Posted 10/09/2008 at 1:48 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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piker from Nfld writes: Burke had no business doing the interviews.
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| Posted 10/09/2008 at 5:53 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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M L from NL writes: When Joan Burke opens her mouth she utters rubbish. She does not have a qualifications to be an Education minister. Danny should have chosen someone with knowledge of the whole education system in the province and not someone hwo knows very litttle. This only goes to show where education rates on Danny's agenda ---very low.
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| Posted 10/09/2008 at 10:58 PM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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George from NL writes: This whole process just keeps getiing more convaluted and confusing.
It's so sad that the premier and the minister expect us to believe that they just want to be sure that MUN is getting the best possible president and that they are not interfering in the selection process or trying to get someone in there that will toe there party line !
There doesn't seem to be room for any amount of opposition or disagreement with this premier. His way or the highway seems to be the central theme.
Someone mentioned replacing Burke. Why? The next minister will be expected to carry on the same way and follow Danny's lead. Anyone remember Beth Marshall?
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| Posted 11/09/2008 at 12:02 AM | Alert an Editor | Link to comment |
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