City Signs MOU with Vancouver Island University

JOINT NEWS RELEASE - Distributed April 20, 2021 8:46 AM

On April 19, 2021, Nanaimo City Council and Vancouver Island University (VIU), announced the signing of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") between the City of Nanaimo and VIU.

Under the terms of the MOU, the City and VIU, will work together to:

• Establish a framework for collaboration between the two organizations;
• Adopt a cooperative approach to working together for the mutual benefit of the City and VIU, the students and broader community;
• Pursue areas of common strategic interest;
• Actively participate in joint initiatives, projects and activities; and,
• Identify and address common areas of concern that may emerge during the life of the MOU.

An Executive Committee will also be established consisting of the senior leadership team from both the City and VIU. The MOU is effective as of Monday, April 19, 2021 until December 31, 2023.

QUOTES

"Nanaimo is fortunate to have a university that offers programs ranging from graduate and undergraduate degrees to vocational and trades diplomas and certificates, as well as continuing education programs in health, education, sciences, arts, business, trades, leadership, leisure, community planning, education and so much more. Tapping into this wealth of knowledge and innovation can benefit the community and position the City for a brighter future."

Leonard Krog, Mayor, City of Nanaimo

"I’m excited to expand on the already strong relationship VIU has with the City of Nanaimo to share ideas and collaborate on projects to aid in our economic and social recovery. We are a university built by and for the community, and partnerships like this one are woven into the fabric of everything we do. I look forward to broadening the number of initiatives we collaborate on to address the social, economic and environmental challenges of our region."

Dr. Deborah Saucier, President and Vice-Chancellor, VIU

Key Points

• The goal of the MOU, between the City of Nanaimo and VIU, is to continue to enhance the positive culture of exchange, engagement, communication, and partnership.
• Shared similar interests, concerns, expertise, and goals include:
  • Enriching Community Diversity and addressing the calls of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Persons (UNDRIP)
  • Supporting Economic and Social Development Opportunities
  • Enhancing Community Planning And Land Use Initiatives
  • Engaging In Community Focused Research
  • Driving Innovations Relating To Environmental, Technological, Social, Cultural, and Economic Sustainability
  • Developing Work Integrated Learning Opportunities For Students

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