Concerned about the historical litigious nature of Trent University, two alumni film makers receive $1,000 from OPSEU executive towards liability insurance for public screening of film critical of Trent.

James Motluk is producing a documentary entitled, "Whose University Is It". His previous documentary was called, "Life Under Mike" and looked at the broad effects of the Common Sense Revolution.

The new documentary examines, through the example of Trent University, how inadequate public funding is forcing universities to shift from being autonomous public institutions of higher learning to profit oriented quasi private corporations.

On the eve of the double cohort and the baby boom echo, serious attention is being focused on universities for the first time in many years. All public institutions are being asked to redefine themselves so that revenue takes priority over the public good. Should universities belong to the people of the Province of Ontario or the government's corporate masters? The producer hopes to garner public debate and attention to this question before it is too late.

His funding is secure to complete the documentary, however, based on the historical litigious nature of Trent University, he will not be able to publicly screen his documentary without the purchase of liability insurance. He has been quoted a cost of $5,000.

PRESIDENT'S REPORT

DONATIONS/APPEALS

Guerilla Films Inc. Request for Support (cont.)

Moved by Casselman/Thomas

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the OPSEU Executive Committee approve $1,000 to be donated to James Motluk, producer of the documentary entitled, " Whose University Is It". This donation is to be used to cover the cost of purchasing liability insurance for public screenings. This amount is to be drawn from the Contingency Fund.

CARRIED

Source: OPSEU Executive Committee Meeting - February 11, 2003