Bill To Give Agricultural College More Freedom

Government introduced a bill today, Dec. 12, that would give the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) the academic freedom and institutional autonomy of similar institutions.

"The NSAC is a wonderful institution that is more than ready to change its 100-year-old governance structure to better suit the times," said Agriculture Minister Brooke Taylor. "The changes will benefit the college faculty and students as well as the agriculture industry," says Brooke Taylor.

An Act Respecting the Nova Scotia Agricultural College will bring the college's governing model in line with other Canadian post-secondary schools that are based on autonomy, and academic freedom.

"This is a very exciting step for NSAC," said college co-president Bernie MacDonald. "we are very pleased that government has chosen to propose this legislation."

NSAC co-president Leslie MacLaren agreed.

"We look forward to improving NSAC's ability to succeed and meet its mandate of providing quality graduates and new knowledge in support of agriculture, environment and our rural communities," Ms. MacLaren said.

Limits on academic freedom and the inability to retain ownership of results are perceived as impediments to effective research contracting and faculty retention and recruitment. Approval and other processes can inhibit research and funding opportunities. As well, government ownership has impeded or disqualified the college from funding opportunities.

"This change is positive for everyone," said Mr. Taylor. "It is a necessary step forward for NSAC."

The bill would help create a board of governors and academic senate for the college, similar to other post-secondary institutions.

The NSAC will no longer be a branch of the Department of Agriculture, but its mandate, programming, funding and staffing will not change.