Talks continue on Nunavut university, plans expected in spring

Progress is being made towards a university in Nunavut, according to the territory's education minister.

Last year, Agnico Eagle Mines pledged $5 million to help kickstartthe founding of a university in the territory, with their chairman stating the lack of an Arctic university in Canada was "scandalous."

Yesterday, in the legislative assembly, minister Paul Quassasaid he is preparing an options paper for cabinet, andhopes to announce a plan and concept for the university during the spring sitting.

"Some possible options that we are currently exploring are a stand-alone university, a university college, a pan-territorial university, an Inuit Nunangat university, or some combination of these," he said.

"Attainment of post-secondary education is becoming more of a goal and reality for Nunavummiut."

Quassa also announced that a workshop will be held in Iqaluit in mid-March to discuss an Inuit Nunangat university, which would serve people from the various Inuit regions of the Arctic. The conference will include members ofNunavut Tunngavik Inc., theQikiqtani Inuit Association, and Laval and Carleton Universities.