Dear Mr. Nye:

Thank you for your message of May 7, 2007 regarding the processes during
public meetings at the University of Ottawa. I appreciate the
opportunity to respond.

All provincially-assisted universities in Ontario are autonomous
institutions, established as private corporations by an Act of the
Ontario legislature. Universities operate independently, and have the
full authority to determine their policies and procedures. The ministry
has no jurisdiction over the university policies and procedures during
public meetings.

May I suggest that you bring your concerns to University of Ottawa
officials. You may wish to write to:

Ms. Pamela A. Harrod
Secretary of the University
550 Cumberland
PO Box 450 STN A
Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5

Thank you again for writing.

Barry McCartan
Acting Director
Universities Branch
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

Bob Nye's response:

25 July 2007

Dear Mr. McCartan,

I am not talking about how they follow the rules. I am not a legal expert, but I saw how they control the meeting to their satisfaction, going against their by-laws. When a student member wanted to add an item on the agenda, they simply denied it and other illegal items.

They should not be allowed to continue in their little dictatorship.

The Ministry of Education of Ontario should not allow a university in its control to disregard rules.


Bob Nye
Ottawa