uLaval defects from CREPUQ

Université Laval has abruptly resigned from the Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities, saying the organization that has until now represented all of Quebec’s 19 universities no longer represents its interests. An official at uLaval said on Monday the decision to leave the organization is to help the university preserve its identity. “CREPUQ goes for the common denominator, when each university’s characteristics are unique.” uLaval rector Denis Brière, an outspoken critic of the unravelling financial situation of Quebec’s universities, said the university was “particularly worried” about this growing trend to “consider all Quebec universities as public and uniform institutions” that ultimately limits the ability of individual institutions to develop. The defection will mean a shortfall in revenue of about $650,000 that uLaval has been paying to belong. Montreal Gazette