Mayor Jeffrey Announces University Blue Ribbon Panel

BRAMPTON, ON: Mayor Linda Jeffrey announced today the formation of a Blue Ribbon Exploratory Panel for establishing a University in the City of Brampton. The Panel will be chaired by former Ontario Premier, William G. Davis. The panel’s Vice-Chair will be Mr. Jaipaul Massey-Singh, Chairman of the Board for the Brampton Board of Trade. The Panel’s role will be to provide the Mayor and City Council with a realistic plan to establish a university campus in Brampton.
In December 2013 Ontario’s Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities released its Major Capacity Expansion Policy Framework as a commitment to provide funding for 60,000 additional post-secondary education spaces across the province.
While the previous administration of Brampton failed to put together an eligible package to the Ministry, Mayor Jeffrey and the new City Council are committed to doing everything possible to attract a university campus to Brampton.
Mayor Jeffrey has long been a proponent of a research university campus in Brampton. With the success of Brampton Civic Hospital, the redevelopment of Peel Memorial Hospital and the soon to break ground ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development, Brampton is the ideal location for a health sciences hub.
And while Brampton has a goal to keep more of our best and brightest nearby, a university will also act as an economic magnet for Brampton.
This Panel has been asked to assist the Mayor and Council in finding a way forward so Brampton residents can understand:
 What led to Brampton’s initial failed proposal and intent for a post-secondary academic facility?
 Provide recommendations with respect to Brampton’s post-secondary options.
 Provide a realistic and achievable work plan and financial figures for a university campus in Brampton.
The Blue Ribbon Panel will report back in Fall 2015.
QUOTES
“My colleagues on Council and I are well aware that our community feels strongly that Brampton needs a university campus in order to succeed. I have every confidence that this Blue Ribbon Panel will bring forward the recommendations and plan to see this desire become a reality.”