Kevin Lamoureux, MLA for Inkster (left) with Lloyd Axworthy, President of the University of Winnipeg

Since becoming the president of the University of Winnipeg, he has been building a more solid foundation for one of Winnipeg’s greatest assets.

Mr. Axworthy and I talked about the Filipino community here in Manitoba and elsewhere, including the Philippines. As president of the University of Winnipeg, he is very much interested in reaching out to the community in a very real way and he wanted to talk to me about it. Since my first meeting with him I have had follow up discussions with his office.

Providing world quality post secondary education that, in part, includes the Philippines is what this is all about. Think of the possibilities. University programming that incorporates an outreach into the Filipino community and beyond that has a special emphasis on the Philippines.

Let me provide a few examples:

Let’s say your daughter or son was born in Winnipeg 18 years ago and she or he will be graduating from Sisler High School in June 2010. Your daughter or son says to you that she or he has registered at the University of Winnipeg for a three-year degree program where the first year will be done at the University of the Philippines. Having the option to pursue a degree of this nature I believe will not only benefit the student but also our University and our Province in numerous ways.

Another example: Let’s say you have a niece who lives in Manila and you have her register at the University of the Philippines in courses that have been pre-approved as credit courses for the University of Winnipeg. After completing her first year of studies she comes to Winnipeg with a student visa. The student visa allows her to complete a three-year degree at the University, which then makes her eligible for a nominee certificate. That would mean that after two years here in Winnipeg, she could have a three-year degree and possibly be in the process of becoming a landed immigrant.

As a final example to demonstrate the potential of Universities working together:

Many members of the Filipino community here in Winnipeg are familiar with the ANAK group and some might be familiar with the Global College at the U of W. Back in 2007, there was a Filipino studies program course offered where a guest professor came from the USA and the course was about the Philippines. This was done in good part because of the two groups mentioned above. For the sake of argument let’s say that the course was a successful pilot project conducted by the ANAK group and supported by the Global College of the U of W. I would suggest to you that we should move forward with that idea. Why not have a permanent Philippine Studies program at the University of Winnipeg? The University of Winnipeg could lead the country with such a program. Having a professor exchange program with the University of the Philippines would give it even more credibility. The University of Winnipeg could truly provide something unique in Canada.

Being able to take university courses to study the Philippines would give a better appreciation of a country that has contributed and continues to contribute so much to Canada. Having a better understanding of the Philippines enables us to not only have more tolerance but it also allows us to build economic and social bridges with the Philippines. Providing Filipino studies at the University would enrich the people who want to either preserve or better understand the history and culture of the Philippines.

A joint/cooperative degree program is not a new concept but in many ways it can lead to wonderful opportunities for students of all ages. If you live in Winnipeg and want to go to the Philippines, or live in the Philippines and want to come to Winnipeg, the possibilities are unlimited when you have two universities that are prepared to work together in order to overcome whatever hurdles may get in the way.

Back in April, during the legislative estimates on education, I talked with Diane McGifford, the minister responsible for Advanced Education and Literacy, in regards to the issue above and we mutually agreed that we all have a role to play in a dialogue that will encourage our universities to become more outward thinking. You don’t have to go to Paris or London, New York or Toronto in order to get a well-rounded education. The University of Winnipeg, working with the University of the Philippines and other universities, can provide world-class education. If the will is there, it can happen, but what it requires is strong leadership. I was so encouraged by the discussions I had with the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy because I know that when Mr. Axworthy puts his mind to work on a project, chances are it will materialize. I do not know where this will lead with the University of Winnipeg but I do know that Mr. Axworthy and the University of Winnipeg are reaching out for feedback.