University Governance Reform and Public Meetings

Summary#

The bill updates how the University of Winnipeg is governed. It changes who sits on the Board of Regents (the university’s main decision‑making board), sets term limits, adds conflict‑of‑interest rules, opens most board meetings to the public, and tightens oversight of the university president. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.

• Changes the board’s makeup and requires at least two government‑appointed members to be Indigenous.
• Tells the provincial cabinet (Lieutenant Governor in Council) to consider diversity, experience, and financial skills when appointing board members.
• Sets a term limit of nine straight years on the board, with a three‑year break before returning.
• Requires a conflict‑of‑interest by‑law and public records of disclosures.
• Makes board meetings open to the public, with limited closed sessions (in camera) allowed and reasons recorded.
• Requires an annual performance review of the president, including some years with outside reviewers, and keeps the president out of meetings about their own pay and evaluation.
• Keeps current board members in place until their terms end; updates a few names and procedures.

What it means for you#

• Students

  • Two student seats on the board continue, chosen by the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association Inc.
  • You can attend most board meetings and see when and why parts are closed.
  • Conflict‑of‑interest disclosures by board members will be on public record.

• Faculty and staff

  • Three academic staff who also serve on the Senate will sit on the board.
  • Clear conflict‑of‑interest rules now apply, including disclosure and stepping out of votes.
  • Term limits may open more chances to serve over time.

• Alumni

  • One alumnus will serve on the board, chosen by the Alumni Association.

• Indigenous communities

  • At least two provincial appointees to the board must identify as Indigenous.
  • Appointments must consider diversity that reflects the student body and the communities they come from.

• Community members and the public

  • Most board meetings will be open to attend, and minutes must note why any part is closed.
  • Records of conflict‑of‑interest disclosures will be available to the public.

• University leadership

  • The president will have a yearly performance review, with outside reviewers in some years.
  • The president cannot attend board discussions about their own review, goals, pay, or expenses.
  • The board cannot hand off (delegate) its by‑law‑making powers.

• Timing

  • Changes take effect on July 1, 2026.
  • Current board members finish their existing terms.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

• Opens up university governance through public meetings and published conflict‑of‑interest records.
• Improves accountability by requiring regular, structured reviews of the president, including external input.
• Ensures the board has needed skills and better reflects students and communities, including guaranteed Indigenous representation.
• Term limits bring fresh perspectives and reduce the risk of long‑term entrenchment.
• Keeps key decisions with the full board by limiting delegation of core powers.

Opponents' View#

• Giving the provincial cabinet 10 appointments could increase political influence and reduce university independence.
• Open‑meeting rules may limit frank discussion or slow decisions; closing a meeting now requires stricter steps.
• Added rules and external reviews could increase administrative work and costs.
• Term limits might force out experienced members and create turnover challenges.
• Public conflict‑of‑interest disclosures and tighter rules may discourage some qualified people from serving.