The Quebec government's proposed restrictions on university governance risk substantially hindering the performance and competitiveness of the university system and of the province itself.
Quebec's universities compete on the international stage for the best researchers, scholars and students. And the competition is fierce. To compete, universities must have the nimbleness and flexibility to respond to changing needs.
Until now, universities' autonomy has ensured their remarkable success. But Bill 38 on university governance would limit autonomy in the mistaken belief that that's the only way to ensure greater accountability.
Quebec universities fully support the principles of good governance - it is perfectly reasonable to require transparency and accountability by recipients of public funds.
When Bill 38 was tabled in June, the minister said her aim was to "modernize" university governance by allowing universities to "maintain their specific character and their values while adopting internationally recognized principles of governance."
Unfortunately, the bill does no such thing. Instead, it imposes a level of procedural control that unnecessarily restricts the expression of an institution's character. A study of best practices in university governance around the world shows that university systems are evolving more toward autonomy and decentralization. Quebec's intention to head in the opposite direction is thus cause for astonishment, if not outright concern.
In attempting to impose the rigid procedures in Bill 38, the government seems to care more about university operating procedures than outcomes. This approach is utterly contrary to the World Bank recommendations in a series of documents on education in 2009, which reveal a distinct trend to an accountability-based model.
Recent studies on governance in institutions of higher education make particular reference to models developed in Britain, Australia and Denmark, cited as leaders in the field. Instead of a rigid legislative approach, these governments have chosen to establish a set of guiding principles. It is then up to the institutions to develop their priorities and objectives based on these principles.
This approach allows flexibility that legislation cannot offer. Bill 38 takes the completely opposite approach, delving into such details as the procedure for replacing a director and even requiring such details as a report on director attendance at board meetings.
In addition to its strict rules, Bill 38 calls for universities to provide more data and reports. The quest for accountability through increased administrative formalities is perplexing, to say the least. Legislation already provides for complete and detailed reporting. For example, excluding their endowment funds - and sometimes even including them - universities may not contract any loan or sign any other financial agreement without the prior authorization of the ministers of education and finance, except under very specific circumstances.
Requiring universities to provide the minutes and related documents of every board meeting is nothing but micro-management.
A recent World Economic Forum report praises the Canadian university system, which happens to be one of the most autonomous. And the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development stresses that institutions operating in a culture that promotes autonomy and accountability are more productive than those subjected to micro-management.
An excessively restrictive framework negates the values, traditions and culture unique to each institution, and undermines the competitiveness of individual universities. One of the main strengths and assets of the Quebec university system is its diversity, allowing each institution to use its resources creatively. The principles of good governance can be applied effectively only if the process is adapted to the nature of each institution.
Universities play a critical role in ensuring Quebec's growth in the knowledge economy of the 21st century. The government should be providing the means they need to remain competitive with the best universities in the world.
Sadly, the proposed legislation, which reflects anything but a modern and responsible approach, will undermine university management and governing bodies, and only make them weaker.
Heather Munroe-Blum is board chairperson of the Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities and principal and vice-chancellor of McGill University.