Michelle Hutchingame

The Board of Governors discussed several strategic and financial items, including the approval of the 2026-2027 operating budget and the 2026-2029 capital plan. Key actions included the suspension of the Motorcycle Mechanic Apprenticeship program, approval of 2026-2027 strategic initiatives, and the establishment of board remuneration and reimbursement rates. Furthermore, the Board approved revisions to several policies, including the Employee Code of Conduct, investment in governance, handling operational complaints, handling alleged policy violations, and enterprise risk. Decisions were also made regarding land management, specifically the revocation of prior resolutions regarding the Stone Ridge lands, authorization for a new lease agreement, and the delegation of authority to the Board Chair for the potential disposition of Fairview Campus assets. Additionally, the Board approved various academic program suspensions and terminations as recommended by the Academic Council.

The Board of Governors discussed and approved various strategic and operational items, including the 2026-2027 Tuition and Fees Schedule and the 2025-2028 Investment Management Agreement. The Board endorsed an updated Mandate and Roles Document and approved a base salary increase and reappointment for the President and CEO. Other key actions included approving revisions to governance policies, the 2026-2027 academic schedule, and new academic programs, as well as the termination of specific existing programs. The Board also authorized long-term borrowing to fund campus expansion and renovation, approved a loan from internal reserves to the NWP Business Corporation, and updated the Net Asset Allocation.

The meeting addressed several significant organizational matters, primarily focusing on the future of the Fairview Campus. Key resolutions included the approval of the permanent closure of the Fairview Campus, effective August 15, 2026, with directives for a comprehensive wind-down and transition plan. Additionally, the Board considered and defeated a resolution to donate the Fairview Campus art collection to the Government of Alberta, but subsequently passed a resolution to donate the collection, including significant artworks by A.Y. Jackson and Alex Janvier, to the Town of Fairview, pending Government of Alberta approval. Further actions included authorizing administration to collaborate on repurposing pathways for the Fairview Campus by March 31, 2026, approving several program suspensions effective June 30, 2026, and authorizing the purchase of a new facility in the Grande Prairie region, not to exceed C$7,000,000. The Board also approved the updated 2025-2028 Capital Plan, amended a prior resolution to sell a specific property declared surplus to institutional requirements, tasked Academic Council with developing a new program review framework, and mandated annual reporting on instructional expenses.

The meeting addressed several key items, including a declaration of a conflict of interest regarding the Fairview Campus transition. A presentation was given regarding Board Breaches, liability, Board Bylaws, and Code of Conduct, resulting in a motion to add the Fairview Campus Transition as a standing item for future meetings. The Executive Committee section involved the approval of the Executive Committee Terms of Reference and the approval of a resolution regarding the Annual Report on Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025. Committee memberships were approved for Finance/Audit, Governance, Human Resources, and Executive committees. The Governance Committee section saw the approval of revisions to the Governance and Development Committee Terms of Reference, Board Bylaws, and several Board Policies, including GP-8 (Board Committee Structure), GP-8.6 (Ad Hoc Committee Terms of Reference), and GP-9 (Board Planning Cycle and Agenda Control). The Finance Committee approved the Investment Policy and updated signing authority records with the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) for joint signatories. Furthermore, the Board appointed directors to the Northwestern Polytechnic Business Corporation Properties Trust Board. The Audit Committee received the Annual Enrolment Report for information.

The Northwestern Polytechnic Board of Governors held a special meeting to discuss several key issues. The board approved the permanent closure of the Fairview Campus, effective August 15, 2026, and directed administration to develop a comprehensive transition plan. A motion to donate the Fairview Campus art collection to the Government of Alberta was defeated, but a subsequent motion to donate the art collection to the Town of Fairview, pending Government of Alberta approval, was carried. The board also approved working with the Government of Alberta to identify viable repurposing pathways for the Fairview Campus. Additionally, the board approved several program suspensions effective June 30, 2026, and authorized the purchase of suitable building(s) and associated lands to support NWP's programmatic, student, and operational needs. The board also approved the sale of surplus property and tasked the Academic Council with developing a concise program review framework.