ASSOCIATION OF ATLANTIC UNIVERSITIES
Dr. Paul Mazerolle, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of New Brunswick (UNB) Appointed Chair, AAU

Dr. Paul Mazerolle, President and Vice-chancellor, University of New Brunswick (UNB) has been appointed Chair, Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU).

Dr. Mazerolle was appointed by his colleagues at the AAU's recent Spring meeting to a two-year term as Chair. Dr. Mazerolle is also a member of the AAU's Executive Committee; a member of Universities Canada's National Board of Directors and, Co-chair, New Brunswick Public Universities and Colleges (NBPUC).

Dr. Andrew (Andy) Hakin, President and Vice-chancellor, St. Francis Xavier University, was appointed Vice-Chair, AAU, also for a two-year term.

"Atlantic universities continue to be held in high regard across the region" said Dr. Mazerolle and "university leaders are fully committed to providing the leadership and solutions to critical issues facing the region now and in the future to continue to earn the high levels of confidence and trust Atlantic Canadians have in our sector."

However, Dr. Mazerolle noted that, "Atlantic universities face significant challenges such as federal government policies restricting the number of new visa permits for international students." He added that "Atlantic universities are an education destination for students from across the region, the country and worldwide. We develop the high-skilled, professional workforce, especially for healthcare delivery, so vital to the future of Atlantic Canada."

He also commented on the growing pressure placed on universities, from both levels of government, to build more student housing. "The AAU welcomes the newly elected federal liberal government's platform pledge of $2 billion in low-cost financing for new student housing. The AAU will continue to advocate for policies that simplify access to funding for student housing construction and campus upgrades, addressing the affordability challenge and ensuring access to quality learning and research facilities."

Dr. Mazerolle concluded that, "the AAU will continue to impress upon all levels of government, the value and contribution of strong, high-quality, public universities to regional economic prosperity, social and cultural development and population growth."