News Release

The following statement was issued by Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Jody Carr:

As minister of post-secondary education, training and labour, today I am once again wearing my labour hat. I would like to begin by thanking everyone for joining me here today.

Since last August, Mount Allison University and the Mount Allison Faculty Association have been negotiating for the renewal of their collective agreement.

The union exercised its right to strike beginning Jan. 27.   

Now entering its third week, everyone recognizes this dispute is increasingly affecting students, parents and families, the university community and the entire province. Students, parents, and many others, are frustrated and concerned. Many feel their post-secondary education is at risk.

As a government, we recognize the increasing urgency of the situation.

From Day One, our priority is to see students finish their term with the least amount of disruption possible.

As you know, students make significant sacrifices to pursue a post-secondary education.

I know many students are faced with not only personal, but also financial concerns and are worried about employment opportunities, leases on apartments and their ability to graduate. So is your government.   

At the same time, we also respect the collective bargaining process.

We continue to encourage both sides to find a resolution within the statutory provisions of the Industrial Relations Act. To date, we have provided both parties with the necessary tools under the act - including a conciliation officer and a mediation officer - to help them reach an agreement.

Our preference is that an agreement can be reached by both parties working together at the bargaining table.

However, after several months, a new collective agreement has not been reached. Last week the parities met with the government-appointed mediation officer, however, they were unable to reach a resolution.

That is why today I am intervening and announcing, under the Industrial Relations Act, the provincial government is directing both parties back to the bargaining table and appointing Larry Steinberg as a special outside mediator.

His role will be to confer with the parties and endeavour to effect a collective agreement. As special mediator he has the power to summon witnesses, require them to give evidence under oath and produce documents for a full investigation into matters. He can also enforce the attendance of witnesses and compel them to give evidence as is vested in any court of record in civil cases. No person shall refuse to answer an interrogation or obstruct the work of the mediator.

Mr. Steinberg will meet with both parties this Wednesday, Feb. 12, and Thursday Feb. 13.

This appointment directs the parties to return to the table, and it highlights a new level of urgency to the process. This intervention demonstrates that the provincial government is actively trying to help the parties without interfering in the collective bargaining process.

Mr. Steinberg is a mediator, arbitrator and a leading Canadian labour lawyer based in Toronto. He is also a Part-Time Vice-Chair of the Ontario Labour Relations Board and a member of the Ontario Labour-Management Arbitrators' Association. He spent his career representing unions and employees in all aspects of employment, labour, administrative and human rights law before all levels of court and tribunals.

Mr. Steinberg's appointment is being made in accordance with the Industrial Relations Act. There will be a media blackout. Steinberg will also work in collaboration with the government-appointed mediator. This step is being funded by the provincial government.

My colleagues and I will continue to monitor the labour situation closely and provide the necessary assistance to reach a solution as required, while balancing our respect for the collective bargaining process and the need to protect our students.

Our province's success depends on a strong, adaptive and educated workforce. We recognize that our post-secondary education sector is vital to growing New Brunswick's economy and creating jobs in order to meet the needs of our evolving labour market.

Thank you.