Laurentian emerges from insolvency ahead of Nov. 30 deadline
Laurentian University has formally exited the insolvency process, the school announced Monday, ending almost two years of turmoil at the institution.
LU sent shockwaves across the community Feb. 21, 2021, when it announced it was insolvent and was entering protection from creditors under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA).
It was the first time a public institution declared a form of bankruptcy under the CCAA in Canada. More than 60 programs and 150 jobs were lost in the process.
“While there is much healing and hard work yet to be done, today we emerge stronger with safeguards in place to ensure a sustainable, more transparent and inclusive future,” Jeff Bangs, chair of the board of governors, said in a news release Monday.
“Reforming our governance, improving operations and heeding the recommendations of the auditor general will keep us on track but, most importantly, we must be committed to respecting all of the university’s stakeholders as key decisions about the future are made.”
A review by Ontario Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk concluded the bankruptcy was largely caused by poorly planned capital spending between 2009-2018, compounded by the loss of international students because of a dispute with Saudi Arabia and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Robert Haché was president when the CCAA declaration took place, but he has since resigned. While he insisted that the choice was close the school or declare insolvency, Lysyk’s audit concluded that Haché made the conscious decision to declare insolvency.
For example, he paid off a line of credit, Lysyk said, making it appear LU had no money to continue operating. And Haché asked the province last-minute for a $100 million bailout. When the province didn’t immediately agree, he declared under the CCAA.
Tammy Eger, LU’s interim president, said Monday they are committed to rebuilding pride and confidence in the university.
“We’ll do this through our actions in the months and years ahead as we form our strategic plan and continue organizational transformation,” Eger is quoted as saying in the release,
“Students and parents can feel confident in their decision to choose Laurentian to advance their education ... The future is bright for Laurentian, we have work ahead to transform our institution, but the path forward is clear. We are inspired to realize the vast potential within our community.”
Laurentian University has more than 8,000 students and is one of two bilingual universities in Ontario.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Two killed after collision with truck on Hwy. 417 near Limoges, Ont.
Ontario Provincial Police say two people were killed after a car and a transport truck collided in the westbound lanes of Highway 417 near Limoges, Ont. on Tuesday afternoon.
Houston braces for flooding to worsen in wake of storms
High waters flooded neighborhoods around Houston on Saturday following heavy rains that have already resulted in crews rescuing hundreds of people from homes, rooftops and roads engulfed in murky water.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
‘We made them safer and more fun’: Here’s what’s new about e-scooters
Electric scooters (e-scooters) have been gaining popularity in the capital and this season comes with some changes and updates.
A Chinese driver is praised for helping reduce casualties in a highway collapse that killed 48
A Chinese truck driver was praised in local media Saturday for parking his vehicle across a highway and preventing more cars from tumbling down a slope after a section of the road in the country's mountainous south collapsed and killed at least 48 people.
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Canadian Auger-Aliassime reaches first Masters final in Madrid with another walkover
Montreal's Felix Auger-Aliassime has advanced to his first ATP Masters final, and he hasn't had to play all that much tennis to do it.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.