June 9, 2021
The Honourable Iain Rankin, Premier of Nova Scotia,
Honourable Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Labour and Advanced Education
CC: The Honourable Tim Houston, Leader of the Opposition,
The Honourable Gary Burrill, Leader of the New Democratic Party
Dear Premier Rankin and Honourable Members,
I am writing in response to new information that has emerged in The Globe and Mail (7 June) related to governance at NSCAD and the firing of former president Dr. Aoife Mac Namara. To date, there has been no comprehensive response from NSCAD’s Board of Governors to questions from the community and to access to information requests. Lingering questions over these affairs are harmful to NSCAD’s international reputation and ability to recruit new leadership, students, faculty, and donors.
FUNSCAD, the faculty and technicians’ union at NSCAD, is calling on the Nova Scotia government to create a public inquiry, or similar measure, to require the full release of information and communications related to the firing of president Mac Namara, including matters related to real estate leading up to, during, and after, her tenure.
The NSCAD Board of Governors has claimed their reason for withholding information is based on a personnel matter. FUNSCAD asserts that the issues go far beyond the employment of one individual and if not resolved will continue to damage the institution.
I hope you agree that a public institution supported with tuition and tax dollars needs to operate with complete transparency in order to maintain the trust of all Nova Scotians.
Sincerely,
Dr. Darrell Varga
Acting President, FUNSCAD
