Romano compares Algoma U to school run by bigot

NDP says minister owes hometown institution apology

SAULT STE. MARIE — Today in question period, Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities Ross Romano (Sault Ste. Marie) compared Algoma University to Canada Christian College as the college’s bigoted founder Charles McVety pursues new degree-granting powers. Chris Glover, Ontario NDP Critic for Colleges and Universities, said it’s appalling that Romano would denigrate a distinguished post-secondary institution by even remotely likening it to a school run by someone known to espouse Islamophobic, homophobic and transphobic views.

“Frankly it’s appalling that the Minister of Colleges and Universities would draw any kind of comparison between Canada Christian College and Algoma University,” said Glover. “Students, staff and faculty will be horrified to learn that Sault Ste. Marie’s local MPP is talking about the place they study and work in defending the government’s troubling attempt to legislate new degree-granting powers for a school run by someone known to espouse hateful views.

“Mr. Romano should not be denigrating a distinguished institution like Algoma University to make excuses for a wrong-headed move by the Conservatives aimed at helping Ford’s bigoted friend McVety.”

Canada Christian College has applied for expanded degree-granting powers. The Ford government put forward legislation that would give them that before the Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB) finished evaluating the application. On Monday, Romano repeatedly said that the application was being considered just like Algoma University’s recent application was considered.

“Mr. Romano owes Algoma University’s students, staff and faculty an apology,” said Glover.

Glover is urging all MPPs to contact the PEQAB to voice their opposition to Canada Christian College’s application.