Wednesday, April 5, 1967

has sated that it has a policy with respect to higher education in the province. And apparently the policy is that there will be two institutions of higher learning in the province. It is rather interesting to consider how this policy came about because watching the press releases. which were numerous. during the summer and fall and from the pronouncements of the Premier on various occasions it seemed that he was favourable to one institution of higher learning in the province. I might quote from an article Saturday, October 22nd in the Summerside Journal. Expanding on his remarks made last evening Premier Campbell said this morning, “That while he favours one University for Prince Edward Island, he has an open mind on the way that this would come about. It could be actual amalgamation or some form of fed- eration of the two existing Universities.” Sometime later, on November 7th, he goes on to say, “That Government is fully aware of its new responsibilities in the field of higher education.” Now there is no doubt that this large increase in finances from the federal government on behalf of higher education is certainly going to in- crease the responsibility of the government with respect to the development of higher education in the prOVince. He goes on to say, “The recent decision of the federal gov- ernment to place the matter of financing universities solely with the provinces. Premier Alex B. Campbell said last night, who had just returned from The Atlantic Winter Fair was commenting on a recent announcement by the Board of Governors of Prince of Wales College, and he goes on to say, “Our interest here is first of all a financial one inasmuch as we will be required to provide the funds necessary for higher education in the province." That is certainly accepting the responsibility in no uncertain terms. Consequently, it would seem that the Premier has had some change in his philosophy with respect to this matter, as no doubt the pronounce- ments made by the Minister in his speech the other evening are indicative of the policy of the government in this respect.

Honourable Gordon L. Bennett: Care to express your views on the matter?

L. George Dewar: I have expressed my views in the past and I have expressed my views to Royal Commissions and that is where we seem to be asked to express our views at the present time, and that has already gone on record.

Honourable Keir Clark: What are your views?

L. George Dewar: I am not in a position at the present time to formulate policy with respect to this matter and I am merely commenting on the situation as

it is revealed by the Minister of the Government who is responsible at the present time.

Honourable Gordon L. Bennett: Mr. Speaker, I wonder would the honourable member permit a question.

L. George Dewar: Oh yes.

Honourable Gordon L. Bennett: Do I assume that you have no views with respect to the merits of one or two universities in the province?

L. George Dewar: I have views, Mr. Speaker, all right at the present. . . . Several Members: (Remarks inaudible).

L. George Dewar: I will formulate a policy when required on the subject. (Applause).

L. George Dewar: I might say that the Government of which I was a member, appointed a Royal Commission on higher education and the report is here for every- body to read, and I might say that the Government of which I was a member en- deavoured to carry out the provisions of that report implemented in the. . . .

Honourable Keir Clark: Did you know what that is? I don’t know yet.

L. George Dewar: Well, these commissions. of course, sometimes it may be a little difficult to fathom their thinking but still we have them appointed every day and in fact the House is in the throes of debating the merits of one right at the present time. No doubt when it presents its report it may be a little difficult to understand too, and its views and opinions may be debatable also.

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