COALITION MEDIA RELEASE: Furey’s resignation

With the announced resignation of Premier Andrew Furey, The Coalition of student and labour unions at Memorial University thanks our fellow university colleague and alumnus for the Premier's service to this province.

Leadership is measured not just in service but in legacy. As Premier Furey enters his final weeks in office, The Coalition urges the Premier to reflect on his tenure's impact on Newfoundland and Labrador’s only university.

The Coalition is re-issuing its request for a meeting with the Premier. In December of 2024 the Premier had said “ministers plan to reach out” about a meeting request to discuss the University's state of disrepair, its future and its funding. This meeting never happened.

Responsible stewardship of the resources and funding entrusted to Memorial University is critical and must prioritize the core mandate of this Institution. As Newfoundland and Labrador faces the geopolitical challenges that lie ahead, empowering the next generation is more important than ever. The University educates and trains the people and professionals who will fill the occupations that make this province work.

The new Churchill Falls memorandum of understanding signals a shift in Newfoundland and Labrador’s financial situation, eliminating previously cited justification for ongoing government cuts. As said by the Premier during this windfall announcement, “today, everything changes for Newfoundland and Labrador”. The time has arrived for things to change at Memorial University — by reversing the funding cuts and reinvesting in our university, we can ensure its ability to continue as a pillar of educational and economic growth in this province.

The Coalition and its FundMUN.ca campaign represent tens of thousands of students, faculty, and non-academic staff, and alumni of Memorial and seeks to honour its special mandate to the people of this province.