AB Advanced Education mandate letter includes academic freedom, funding expert panel

The Government of Alberta has issued a new mandate letter to Advanced Education Minister Myles McDougall. McDougall has been tasked with working with other ministries on a variety of initiatives, such as with the AB Ministry of Education and Childcare to develop a more expedient pathway to teaching in the AB K-12 system, as well as with the AB Ministry of Justice to assess the need for legislation that protects academic freedom and freedom of expression at postsecondary institutions. He has also been directed to review the findings of the Expert Panel on Post-Secondary Institution Funding and Alberta’s Competitiveness, champion the skilled trades and professions, and implement the Professional Governance Act.