The restructured version of Sudbury’s Laurentian University will have new leadership at the top.
Robert Haché, president and vice-chancellor, who led Laurentian into the CCAA (Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act ) process in February 2021, has announced his retirement. Also leaving is Marie-Josée Berger as provost.
Unions at the insolvent university have been calling for Haché’s dismissal.
Laurentian filed its Plan of Arrangement materials yesterday with the Superior Court of Justice. It’s one of the final stages of CCAA that involves a proposal from the university to be presented to its creditors on how it tends to restructure its liabilities at the time of entering the CCAA process.
In a news release, the university said an interim president and provost will be appointed and a search process for a new president will start. The university provided no timelines on when Haché’s successor will be in place.
“We deeply appreciate President Haché’s and Provost Berger’s leadership and contributions to Laurentian,” said Jeff Bangs, chair of LU’s board of governors in a statement. “Their guidance and resolve have been indispensable during the most challenging period in our history.”
“At this pivotal time for Laurentian University, I leave my leadership role with energy and optimism for the future,” said Haché. “I’ve approached my role with clear priorities: to learn from the Laurentian community, to successfully complete the CCAA restructuring process, and to put our university on track for an academically rich, culturally diverse, and fiscally sound future. I’m humbled to have had the opportunity to serve this great university.”
“While we still have far to go, our Board feels renewed optimism as we work with our community and government partners to protect and advance Laurentian’s unique mission as a bilingual and tricultural institution for Ontario’s North,” said Bangs.
