FAQ

The Plan provides for the distribution to Creditors with Proven Claims of up to $53.5 million (with a minimum requirement of $45.5 million) from the sale of real estate currently owned by Laurentian to the Province of Ontario. The Plan allows Laurentian to emerge from the CCAA proceeding as a going concern that will continue to offer quality post-secondary education in Northern Ontario for the benefit of its students, employees, suppliers and the community at large.

The Plan is attached to this Circular at Appendix “C”. A copy of the Plan can also be found on the Monitor’s website at www.ey.com/ca/Laurentian.

Affected Creditors and holders of Unresolved Claims can vote on the Plan at the Meeting or, in advance, by filing a proxy with the Monitor. The Meeting will be held virtually and is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on September 14, 2022. The Monitor will send each Affected Creditor a package setting forth the details of the Meeting and providing instructions on how to attend the Meeting and participate in the vote. If you are an Affected Creditor and have not received your package by August 11, 2022, you can contact the Monitor by telephone at 416-943-3057 or 1-888-338-1766 (toll-free) or by email at: LaurentianUniversity.Monitor@ca.ey.com.

Creditors with CCAA Priority Claims, Secured Claims, and Vacation Pay Compensation Claims will be paid those amounts in full, immediately after the Plan Implementation Date.

The package you receive from the Monitor will indicate whether you have one of those priority claims, and if so, what the amount is that you will be paid. That package will also indicate if you have an Affected Claim, and what the amount of that claim is.

Creditors with Affected Claims will receive one or more payments on a rolling basis over a period of time based on when the sales of real estate to the Province are completed. Assuming the Guaranteed Minimum Plan Consideration Amount ($45.5 million) is achieved through the sale of real estate to the Province, Affected Creditors would be expected to receive payment in full within four (4) years after the Plan Implementation Date, subject to any further brief period of time required by the Monitor to calculate and issue payments.

The timing of the real estate sales to the Province is subject to a variety of factors, including how long the Province requires to identify the real estate it intends to purchase, undertake the necessary due diligence and obtain all required governmental approvals.

If the Guaranteed Minimum Plan Consideration Amount ($45.5 million) is ultimately not achieved through the sale of real estate to the Province within four (4) years from the Plan Implementation Date, Laurentian will have one year within which to pay the balance into the Distribution Pool for the benefit of Affected Creditors with Proven Claims.

If you have a CCAA Priority Claim, a Secured Claim or a Vacation Pay Compensation Claim, you will receive payment in full of those amounts (subject to any deduction or withholding requirement required by applicable law).

If you have an Affected Claim, you will receive payments that provide for partial recovery of your claim amount. You will receive your share of the distributions from the proceeds of the real estate sales, after the payment of priority claims, on a pro rata basis (i.e., based on the relative size of your claim compared with the claims of the other Affected Creditors).

It is anticipated that Affected Creditors will receive payment in the range of 14.1% – 24.2% of their Affected Claim under the Plan. The exact amount cannot be determined at this time and is subject to a number of factors described in the Circular.

A pro rata, pari passu distribution means that all Affected Creditors have the same priority of payment (pari passu), and the amount of the payment is determined by reference to the proportional amount of each Affected Creditor’s Proven Claim relative to all others (pro rata). For illustrative purposes, the following example is provided:

• Creditor A has a Proven Claim of $50
• Creditor B has a Proven Claim of $100
• There is only $75 available to pay the Proven Claims of both Creditor A and Creditor B
• Creditor A and Creditor B will share the $75 on a pro rata basis, meaning that Creditor A would receive $25 and Creditor B would receive $50

When you receive the package in the mail from the Monitor showing the amount and type of claim that you have, it may show that you hold more than one type of claim. For example, a terminated employee may hold both a Vacation Pay Compensation Claim and an additional Compensation Claim. That creditor would be an Unaffected Creditor with respect to its Vacation Pay Compensation Claim and an Affected Creditor with respect to the balance of its Compensation Claim.

The treatment of each claim under the Plan is not based on, or determined by, who holds the claim. For example, a creditor holding a Vacation Pay Compensation Claim will receive payment in full for that claim. The same creditor may receive one or more pro rata distributions from the Distribution Pool in respect of the balance of its Compensation Claim.

All distributions made pursuant to the Plan are, by law, made as if they are payments on account of the underlying nature of the Claim. Accordingly, distributions are subject to any amounts required to be deducted or withheld and remitted to any governmental authority or any other person. In respect of Compensation Claims, these amounts may include source deductions such as income tax, Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance contributions. In addition, amounts required to be deducted by Employment and Social Development Canada pursuant to the Employment Insurance Act (Canada) will also be deducted. In respect of all Creditors, any Creditor whose address on file with Laurentian or the Monitor is not a Canadian address will be treated as a non-resident of Canada for purposes of any non-resident withholding tax, subject to the receipt by the Monitor of sufficient documentation, in the Monitor’s sole discretion that such Creditor is not a non-resident. No gross up or additional amount will be paid to any Creditor in respect of any amounts deducted or withheld for any reason.

The CCAA provides that only certain types or portions of claims have legal priority status and must get paid in full in priority to other creditors. Other claims without legal priority status generally receive pro rata recovery based on the relative size of each creditor’s claim. In this case, the first $2,000 of each former employees’ claim for unpaid vacation pay is a priority claim. The Plan also provides for payment on a priority basis of the full amount of unpaid vacation pay, not just the first $2,000 of each employee’s claim for unpaid vacation pay. All other employee claims rank as unsecured claims under law and will be paid out proportionally with other unsecured claims as Affected Claims.

For the Plan to pass, it must be approved by a majority in number of the Affected Creditors who are present and voting (either at the virtual Meeting or by submitting a written proxy) representing at least two-thirds of the total dollar value of the Proven Claims of Affected Creditors who are present and voting.

Affected Creditors and holders of Unresolved Claims can vote in one of three ways:

1. Affected Creditors and holders of Unresolved Claims can fill in a proxy form and send it to the Monitor by no later than September 9, 2022 indicating (a) whether they vote in favour of or against the Plan and (b) appointing the Monitor as proxyholder to register the vote at the Meeting. The Affected Creditor or holder of an Unresolved Claim may also submit a registration form to obtain access details to attend the virtual Meeting if they would like to do so. However, even if they don’t attend the Meeting, the Monitor will act as proxyholder and ensure that the vote (as marked on the form by the claimant, whether for or against the Plan) is registered at the Meeting in accordance with the proxy submitted. If the proxy form appoints the Monitor as proxyholder but does not specify whether the vote is for or against the Plan, the Monitor will vote for (in favour of) the Plan; or
2. Affected Creditors and holders of Unresolved Claims can fill in a proxy form and send it to the Monitor by no later than September 9, 2022 appointing someone other than the Monitor to register their vote at the meeting. In this case, the proxyholder must submit a registration form and must be in attendance at the Meeting to ensure the vote is registered. The proxyholder will be attending the Meeting in place of the Affected Creditor or holder of Unresolved Claim and in that case, only the proxyholder will be permitted to attend. If the proxy form filed by the Affected Creditor or holder of an Unresolved Claim indicates whether they vote in favour of or against the Plan, the proxyholder must cast the vote in accordance with those instructions. If the proxy form filed by the Affected Creditor or holder of an Unresolved Claim does not indicate whether they vote in favour of or against the Plan, the proxyholder may exercise its discretion with respect to the vote; or
3. Affected Creditors and holders of Unresolved Claims can fill in a pre-registration form to obtain access details to attend the virtual meeting themselves and vote at the Meeting without having submitted a proxy in advance. In this case, the Affected Creditor or holder of Unresolved Claim must be in attendance at the Meeting in order to register the vote.

Please note that if the Monitor is named as proxyholder, the Affected Creditor’s or holder of Unresolved Claim’s vote will be registered at the Meeting in all circumstances. If a proxy is not submitted or another individual is named as proxyholder, the Affected Creditor, holder of Unresolved Claim or their proxyholder will need to be present at the Meeting and register the vote or it will not be counted.

No accommodation will be made for Affected Creditors, holders of Unresolved Claims, or their proxyholders that are unable to access the virtual Meeting and/or register their vote at the Meeting due to technical issues or for any other reason. Accordingly, even if you intend to submit a registration form and attend the Meeting, it is strongly recommended that you submit your vote in advance by proxy, and name the Monitor as proxyholder to ensure that your vote is counted.

Only Affected Creditors, holders of Unresolved Claims, OR their proxyholders will be eligible to attend the Meeting and vote on the Resolution to approve the Plan. If an Affected Creditor or holder of an Unresolved Claim names someone other than the Monitor as their proxy, only the proxyholder (in place of the Affected Creditor or holder of an Unresolved Claim) may attend the Meeting and vote on the Resolution to approve the Plan. If an Affected Creditor or holder of Unresolved Claim names the Monitor as proxyholder, the Affected Creditor or holder of Unresolved Claim can still attend the Meeting.

If the Plan is approved by the Affected Creditors, Laurentian will seek approval of the Plan by the Court on October 5, 2022. Once Court approval is obtained and the Plan Implementation Conditions have been satisfied, the Plan Implementation Date will occur.

If Laurentian cannot obtain the necessary support of its Affected Creditors to the Plan, it will be unable to resolve and settle its substantial debts. As a result, it is expected that the university will cease operating and will commence a liquidation process which would include a sale of all assets including all buildings and real estate. Laurentian has no ability to offer any additional recovery to Affected Creditors other than what is offered under the Plan.

The range of recovery for Affected Creditors in a liquidation is expected to be less than what those creditors could receive under the Plan. In addition, the financial support that has been offered by the Province is conditional upon, and only available in the event that the Plan is approved and implemented – not in any other scenario. If there is a liquidation, and all operations of the university cease, it is expected that this would have a significant negative impact on students, employees, the City of Sudbury and the community at large.

In a liquidation, students would be required to transfer to other universities and all faculty and staff would be terminated, other than a small group retained for a period of time to assist with the transition of students, including the provision of transcripts upon request, as well as assisting with the maintenance of assets. There would be inadequate funds available to pay the termination and severance claims of all terminated faculty and staff (including those terminated during the CCAA restructuring) in full and such claims would constitute unsecured claims. The vacation pay claims of all terminated employees (including those terminated during the CCAA restructuring) would be limited to a priority claim of $2,000 with the remaining vacation pay claim constituting an unsecured claim.

In addition, a liquidation of the university would result in a wind-up of Laurentian’s defined benefit pension plan. There is currently a substantial hypothetical wind-up deficit of approximately $200 million. It is expected that an administrator would be appointed to wind-up the pension plan and such wind-up will involve a reduction in pension benefits for many current and future retirees, as a result of the funding deficiency.

To the extent there are supplemental FAQs, they will be posted on the Monitor’s Website. All interested parties are encouraged to frequently check the Monitor’s Website for further information and answers to additional frequently asked questions.

Nearly 8,000 students are currently enrolled for the Fall 2021 semester in 106 academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

After becoming financially insolvent a year ago, the University has been on a difficult and necessary journey of transformative change. Laurentian University is committed to taking every necessary step to be fully restructured and be a financially viable institution for the long-term.

While there is still much work to be done, Laurentian remains steadfastly committed to emerging stronger from the CCAA process so that it continues to be a university of choice for students in the North. We will work diligently to rebuild trust with our communities, because nothing matters more than our students’ success.

The Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) is a federal statute that was specifically designed to allow organizations with severe financial challenges to restructure their operations and emerge as a more financially viable organization. The CCAA process is the best pathway toward a better, sustainable future for Laurentian.

This process is under the supervision of a Judge of a highly specialized Court (the “Commercial Court”) and with the assistance of a Court-appointed Monitor (Ernst & Young Inc.) To provide stability to restructure, the Court grants a “stay of proceedings” which prevents creditors, such as lenders and suppliers, from taking any action that might disrupt the university’s ability to negotiate and implement its restructuring.

While this is a difficult journey, we are confident we will emerge from CCAA to carry on Laurentian’s mission of providing quality postsecondary education accessible to all – in a vibrant, bilingual and tricultural environment.

Laurentian University became financially insolvent last year, which means its obligations to its creditors exceeded its ability to pay those creditors in the ordinary course. This is not bankruptcy, which would mean that all assets would be liquidated and distributed to creditors. The CCAA process allows Laurentian the opportunity to restructure its finances and operations. and in control of the University.

The CCAA process provides Laurentian with the opportunity to emerge as a fully restructured and financially viable institution. It focuses on negotiations with various stakeholders, such as creditors, that occur within a particular Court-supervised framework over a compressed period.

A court-appointed Monitor assists the University with its restructuring efforts during the CCAA process and acts as an impartial party to provide information to all stakeholders and the Court.
The University is committed to taking every necessary step as part of that process. The Laurentian community deserves a renewed Laurentian that ensures current and future students will continue to have access to a high quality, bilingual post-secondary education at the University for years to come.

An important part of the CCAA process is the participation of an independent, third-party advisor. One of the advisor’s roles was to undertake a comprehensive governance and operational review of the University. The Operational and Governance reviews help to ensure we have the technologies, processes, and people to do our jobs in the best way possible.

This and other CCAA reviews will strengthen the University’s governance and operational process, addressing previous missteps and leveraging lessons learned. A renewed, restructured, and financially viable Laurentian includes identifying and taking the necessary actions to help prevent the university from facing similar challenges in the future.

Laurentian University is making the necessary, intended progress to formally restructure through the CCAA process. The goal of the restructuring is to ensure that current and future students will continue to have access to a high quality post-secondary education at Laurentian for years to come. The process is not only about cost-cutting measures, but also making smart investments to make our university strong and sustainable for current and future students.

There are many moving parts, and we are working to complete it as fast as we possibly can, so we emerge with a strong and sustainable university that our students want and deserve.

Our decisions as part of the CCAA process are made in careful consideration of the best interests of our students and all those impacted. We’ll always be guided by the needs of our students and our community. This means being accessible and transparent to our communities, including sharing information and materials in accordance with the CCAA process. We will continue to press forward toward a renewed Laurentian University – one where the identity and values that have shaped our successful institution are reinforced and celebrated. As we continue the hard work of restructuring, we’re committed to rebuilding engagement and trust with our communities, and defining our vision collegially.​

Laurentian has significant liabilities including its long-term debt, accounts payable and related liabilities, certain future employee benefit and pension liabilities and obligations pursuant to deferred contributions. The CCAA process provides an opportunity for Laurentian to have a comprehensive restructuring of these debts.

The CCAA process is the best, most financially efficient path forward, and is necessary for Laurentian to emerge as a restructured, financially viable institution. The process is comprehensive and a significant undertaking. While it does incur various costs, it has assisted Laurentian to identify critical cost-cutting measures. CCAA allows Laurentian to obtain new secured interim financing from a third-party lender, referred to as the debtor-in-possession lender (or DIP Lender). The DIP Lender provided funding so that Laurentian has the time necessary to negotiate and give effect to its restructuring. This funding allows for Laurentian to continue operating during the process, meet its payment obligations, and minimize any disruption to students. These are costs needed to navigate through this transformation process.

The Province has since refinanced the DIP loan. The Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) also provided a contribution that will provide the University with the added stability to complete our restructuring and successfully emerge from the CCAA process. In the long term, it will help make us stronger, financially viable and a more vibrant institution serving students, employers and communities in Northern Ontario.

The financial terms of the support include:

• Up to $35M to refinance the existing DIP (debtor-in-possession) financing made available within the CCAA proceeding.
• Up to $6M in COVID funding, along with enrolment support of up to a combined amount of $22 million over a period of 5 years.

Our goal is to ensure Laurentian continues to be a university of choice for students in the North. With this announcement, new applicants who may be considering Laurentian can feel even more confident in their choice.

We’re confident the Province’s package of support will contribute significantly to the university’s emergence in 2022 as a fully restructured and financially sustainable university.

While there is still much work to be done, Laurentian remains steadfastly committed to emerging stronger from the CCAA process so that it continues to be a university of choice for students in the North. We will work diligently to rebuild trust with our communities, because nothing matters more than our students’ success. Laurentian is focusing all its efforts on doing whatever is required to successfully emerge from the CCAA proceeding with a restructured financial, operational and academic footprint and a refreshed ability to serve students for years to come.

Laurentian must be a contributor to the community and to the brain gain for the North. It’s essential that we provide compelling opportunities that meet the needs and interests of students and the marketplace. The requirements of the CCAA process are not only about cost-cutting measures, but also making smart investments to make our university strong and sustainable for the future. We know that our community’s desire to get this rebuild right will lead to a stronger, more resilient and financially sustainable Laurentian.

As part of the new package of support from the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU), Laurentian has committed to an accelerated process of board renewal. In December 2021, eleven members of the Board resigned. This decision was made by the Province as part of a new package of support for the University. We thank the outgoing members for their commitment to Laurentian and welcome the five new Board members. We appreciate their leadership and collaboration as we advance the restructuring and focus on emergence from CCAA. These board members are Lieutenant Governor in Council (LGIC) appointees and will hold office for a one-year term.

The academic restructuring included the following:

• 58 undergraduate programs were closed; 106 remain active
• 34 English-language programs were closed; 73 remain active
• 24 French-language programs were closed; 33 remain active
• 11 graduate programs were closed; 33 remain active

The reality is that many programs had very low or no enrolment for several years, suggesting we were offering programs that did not align with what most Laurentian students wanted. And while the number of undergraduate programs that were closed is significant, the number of Laurentian students directly affected by these program closures is less than 10%. Re-allocation of our financial resources means we can provide programs and courses that better align with what our students want to study.

A full list is available here.

Across all universities, undergraduate course offerings vary from year to year, sometimes because faculty members are on sabbaticals, sometimes because courses are being cycled (i.e. only taught once every two years, rather than every year).

Laurentian previously made certain program closures, which means a degree with a major in that program will no longer be offered. Some courses in that subject area may still be available to take as electives, or potentially even as a minor. Courses that are mandatory only for a canceled undergraduate program are no longer offered. Courses that were part of a program that has been canceled, but that are also required for a continuing program, will continue to be offered. As an example, engineering students can still take the math and physics courses that are required for their programs, even though the Physics and Mathematics programs may have been canceled. Many introductory courses in canceled programs will continue to be offered to provide students with a breadth of course selections.

We have been completely guided by the interests of students. Student needs have shaped the remodeling of the programs and students are the reason for this entire process.

Students who are enrolled in continuing undergraduate programs will be able to graduate within the normal time requirements.

We have been completely guided by the interests of our students. Enrolment in the program was a key consideration for this difficult, yet necessary decision. For instance, if only two students were enrolled in a program (i.e. leading to a degree in that specific subject), then that program was not sustainable and the major is no longer being offered. Other criteria included the number of distinct credits required to fulfill the program requirements, and the requirement that Laurentian comply with the French Language Services Act. Another factor that went into the analysis was whether additional program funding came from a source in addition to the usual stable funding provided by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities.

Laurentian is very proud of its contributions to the Greater Sudbury community and the Northern Ontario community at large as well as the partnerships it has fostered. These CCAA proceedings will allow a restructured Laurentian the opportunity to continue these contributions in the future.

To say that it has been a year like no other is an understatement. We are grateful for the patience of our community partners and encouraged by the continued demand for a Laurentian education – especially during the University’s current transformation process.

No. There have not been tuition increases. Laurentian’s tuition and student fees are one of the lowest in the Province, and the Province-wide tuition freeze in place continues for 2021-22.

We will do everything possible to ensure student enrolment is robust, both in terms of returning students and new first year students. The Fall 2021 semester saw student enrolment exceed planning forecasts. Notably, enrolment numbers showed a positive trend for French-language programs year-over-year. We are confident in our efforts to create a restructured Laurentian that existing and future students will be proud to be a part of.

Laurentian intends to conduct the CCAA proceedings as quickly and openly as possible. The entire purpose of taking this step is so that Laurentian can continue to provide the best experience possible to our students. To accomplish this goal, students are encouraged to relay their suggestions and concerns through your elected student leadership team, so that Laurentian can consider these as part of our restructuring plan. The best thing that students can do is to stay focused on their studies and not be distracted by the financial restructuring that is taking place.

We have taken the time to meet with our student leaders, to listen to students. We have taken much guidance from what we’ve learned from them. This is a difficult journey, and we are confident we will emerge from CCAA to carry on Laurentian’s mission of providing quality postsecondary education accessible to all – in a vibrant, bilingual and tricultural environment.

Savings to students are expected to continue. Should there be any changes, communications will be sent directly to you by the insurance provider. Please click here for more information on the programs.

Students have always been our first priority. We understand that this process has been difficult. Laurentian has put in place additional support for all Laurentian students, ensuring that their best interests and their well-being are prioritized as we move forward. Student needs have shaped the remodeling of the programs and students are the reason for this entire process.

Laurentian has done everything possible to help students find alternate programs and courses of study. Students in programs that were impacted by these changes were given detailed plans to provide a pathway to degree completion. Credits previously earned at the federated universities will count towards a Laurentian degree.

We have been completely guided by the interests of students. Student needs have shaped the remodeling of the programs and students are the reason for this entire process. Laurentian has made certain program closures, which means a degree with a major in that program will no longer be offered. Some courses in that subject area may still be available to take as electives, or potentially even as a minor. Courses that are mandatory only for a canceled undergraduate program are no longer offered. Courses that were part of a program that has been canceled, but that are also required for a continuing program, will continue to be offered. As an example, engineering students can still take the math and physics courses that are required for their programs, even though the Physics and Mathematics programs may have been canceled. Many introductory courses in canceled programs will continue to be offered to provide students with a breadth of course selections.

If the graduate course is only associated with the graduate program that is closing, then it will not be offered in future. However, if a graduate course is required for students to complete the degree in that subject, it may still be offered to enable existing students in the closed program to graduate. If this is not possible, which we expect will only affect a very small number of students, then a letter of permission would be provided to allow the student to take the required course from another institution.

The University is committed to providing graduate courses for each of the programs that remain open. The Deans will also continue to collaborate to look for opportunities to cross-list graduate courses so that a required course in one graduate program could be available as an elective for a student in another graduate program.

Support for international students in the processing of immigration documents and applications for student permits continues. Should assistance be required, please contact: infointernational@laurentian.ca

General questions can be directed to Liaison Services directly: info@laurentian.ca / 1(800) 263-4188

As part of the CCAA restructuring, a Mediator was appointed by the Court as a neutral, independent party to assist Laurentian and its faculty association (LUFA) achieve a mutually acceptable outcome.

While the restructuring will ensure Laurentian’s future operations, there have been reductions to faculty and staff. Our faculty and staff are part of the fabric of Laurentian, and there has been a period of profound adjustment for us and for all affected faculty and staff, as well as students.

We have committed to doing everything we can to make that transition as respectful as possible, and provide support to all affected, including through our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) and career transition support.

Our vision is of a university focused on the needs of the north and the communities we serve – and for Laurentian to be a nimble space for critical thinking and innovation, where students can reach their full potential, and faculty can push the boundaries of knowledge.

For more than 60 years, Laurentian has been at the crossroads of culture, industry, art, science, and politics, growing from a humble and small institution to become Northern Ontario’s foremost university. Laurentian graduates like you are from a proud tradition of learners and the quality of your education and value of your degree remain the same as prior to filing for CCAA protection.

Please know that we are fully committed to completing the restructuring and emerging as a more financially sustainable university. As a graduate, it is important to talk about the desire for a strong future for Laurentian University, by speaking to your experience as a student and the impact your education has had on your life and your career. We want the same for current and future students and welcome your support for our community as we go forward. We believe we’ll get through this even stronger, thanks to the quality and dedication of the people of the Laurentian community, like you.

We are blessed to be part of a strong and resilient community that believes the actions we’re taking today will ensure the long-term sustainability of the university. Our donors are an integral component of our students’ future success. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss any concerns you might have about what your potential gift will mean to them.

Donations will be processed by the Advancement Office and placed in a separate, segregated bank account and used for that purpose. These arrangements were confirmed and approved by Court Order.

Information with regards to the CCAA proceedings and both historical and new cash management practices are available on the Monitor’s website at www.ey.com/ca/Laurentian and the University’s website www.laurentianu.info. 

Information with regards to the CCAA proceedings and cash management practices, including endowments is available on the Monitor’s website at  www.ey.com/ca/Laurentian and the University’s website www.laurentianu.info. 

As part of the proceedings, to provide stability to restructure, the Court grants a “stay of proceedings”, as at February 1, 2021 (the “CCAA Filing Date”), which prevents creditors, such as lenders and suppliers, from taking any action that might disrupt the university’s ability to restructure. That is done to provide the University a chance to do what needs to be done in its restructuring. It does not impact the ability of Laurentian to operate, contract for the supply of goods and services and pay for those goods and services that it obtains after February 1, 2021.

In accordance with paragraph 11 of the Initial Order, goods and services received prior to the CCAA Filing Date (February 1, 2021) will be stayed and Laurentian is not permitted to make payment. Going forward, Laurentian continues to operate on a business-as-usual basis. That means Laurentian will continue to pay for goods and services received on and after the CCAA Filing Date (February 1, 2021). For further clarity, if a purchase order was issued prior to the CCAA filing date, suppliers will be paid for goods and/or services delivered and received after the CCAA filing date provided that Laurentian confirms that the goods and services are still required.

In accordance with paragraph 17 of the Initial Order of the Court, suppliers with existing agreements with Laurentian are required to continue to provide the goods and services it needs to operate and suppliers will be paid for goods and services provided after February 1, unless Laurentian advises the supplier that it no longer needs those goods or services. For those suppliers without agreements, Laurentian will negotiate the supply of goods and services in the normal course, and will pay for those received after February 1. 2021.

Laurentian has obtained new secured interim financing during the CCAA proceeding from a third-party lender (now the Provincial Government) in the amount of $35 million, referred to as the debtor-in-possession lender (or DIP Lender). The DIP Lender has agreed to provide funding to the University so that it has the time necessary to negotiate the most critical aspects of its restructuring. This funding will allow Laurentian to continue operating during the process, meet its payment obligations and minimize any disruption to students.

Materials with respect to the CCAA proceedings can be found on the Monitor’s website: www.ey.com/ca/Laurentian.

Laurentian will also keep stakeholders informed of any significant developments via Laurentian’s website at https://Laurentianu.info (English website) or https://Ulaurentienne.info (French website), where Laurentian will post updates.

Pursuant to the Initial Order, Laurentian is permitted to continue its business in the ordinary course, which includes research activities. Faculty, students and the highly qualified persons that support research activities are able to continue to perform their scholarly work, subject to the new approval processes set out in the Fiscal Restraint and Cost Reduction Measures memo recently issued.

Procedures established during the COVID-19 pandemic to support return to research activities are still in effect and can be found here: https://laurentian.ca/covid-19/research#recovery

Procedures to obtain ethics and other certifications also remain in effect:

• https://laurentian.ca/research/ethics
• https://laurentian.ca/research/animal-care

We’re available to respond to your inquiries and assist you. The mandate of the Office of Research Services is to support researchers with all aspects of their research activities. This mandate encompasses a broad suite of services which includes assisting researchers in every step of the pre and post research grant funding process, grant funding administration, knowledge mobilization, human participants research ethics, animal use protocols, and intellectual property management and technology transfer.

You can reach the Office of Research Services by emailing: (research-recherche@laurentian.ca)

Yes. In accordance with the Fiscal Restraint and Cost Reduction Measures memo, Budget Holders shall cease all non-critical expenses during the CCAA proceedings. The purchase of goods, services or reimbursements and the hiring of new researchers or renewal of research contracts must be demonstrated by the Budget Holder as critical to the delivery of Laurentian’s operations, such as current student services, recruitment, research, or health and safety matters. For more information, research Budget Holders are asked to refer to the memo. Questions can also be directed to VPresearch@laurentian.ca

Yes. We are actively continuing our efforts for student recruitment. We are confident in our efforts to create a restructured Laurentian that existing and future students will be proud to be part of.

Pursuant to the Initial Order, Laurentian is permitted to continue its business in the ordinary course, which includes research activities. However, Laurentian is currently insolvent. Granting agencies will be informed that Laurentian has filed for CCAA protection when the Office of Research Services submits grant application. Further, Laurentian is advising granting agencies that it has established a separate bank account in which all new restricted grant and award funds will be directed to.

Materials with respect to the CCAA proceedings can be found on the Monitor’s website: www.ey.com/ca/Laurentian.

Laurentian will also keep stakeholders informed of any significant developments via Laurentian’s website at https://Laurentianu.info (English website) or https://Ulaurentienne.info (French website), where Laurentian will post updates.

Laurentian University is Canada’s only university with a tricultural mandate, offering a post-secondary education to a diverse student body championing a brain gain for the North, for Ontario, and beyond. Being a bilingual university in a tricultural environment is something we cherish – and will fight to preserve. Laurentian’s tricultural mandate will continue to be an integral part of who we are following the CCAA restructuring.

Laurentian’s commitment to Ontario’s Francophone community is a leading part of the University’s culture and mission. Laurentian emphasizes and values Francophone programming, learning, and teaching – principles that are part of the fabric of who we are as an academic community. Laurentian is committed to ensuring the programs it continues to offer represent what Francophone leaders of tomorrow are seeking.

We believe Laurentian’s value proposition as a bilingual university in a tricultural environment is something to be cherished – and worth preserving. We believe that our Francophone students and the Francophone community are critical to the success of a renewed Laurentian University – one where the identity and values that have shaped our institution are reinforced and celebrated.

Laurentian was recognized first among bilingual universities in Ontario under the French Language Services Act, and we intend to continue to fulfill that commitment. The provisions of the French Language Services Act were considered when the Senate Mediation Subcommittee undertook its analysis, recommendation and Report as to all programs and courses. We felt it was important to mandate a permanent committee to provide guidance on francophone matters and offer recommendations on the implementation of strategies to ensure the successful delivery of French-language services. Laurentian will further continue to honour our history and service to the community. We are proud that our students, staff and faculty have earned the right to learn, work, and contribute to Ontarian communities in French through their studies at Laurentian.

This is a difficult journey, and we will prevail if we work together to emerge from CCAA to carry on Laurentian’s mission of providing quality postsecondary education accessible to all – in a vibrant, bilingual and tricultural environment. Laurentian needed to make painful decisions that, while necessary to ensure the sustainability of the institution, have impacted a lot of people, including many in the Francophone community. The overriding goal of our academic restructuring – which led to the closure of 28 French language programs – is to better meet the needs of students, employers, and community going forward.

It is important to note that of the 28 French language programs closed, 10 of these programs had no students enrolled during the past four years. The remaining 18 programs supported 160 students, which means that the cuts impacted roughly 8% of the total student population.

During the University’s restructuring, our commitment to offer an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education, is unwavering. Being a bilingual university in a tricultural environment is something we cherish – and will fight to preserve. Our vision is of a university focused on the needs of the north and the communities we serve – and for Laurentian to be a nimble space for critical thinking and innovation, where students can reach their full potential, and faculty can push the boundaries of knowledge.

The Francophone Advisory Committee is a permanent committee to provide guidance on francophone matters and offer recommendations on the implementation of strategies to ensure the successful delivery of French-language services.

The nomination of Roch Gallien to the Office of Francophone Affairs, and the creation of this new 12-member committee, which will bring together community leaders from industry, health, arts & culture and other sectors, will bring to bear the great passion and pride in the francophone nature of the university.

Eliminating Laurentian’s francophone mandate and transferring programs would not only require government intervention that would jeopardize employment agreements, but it would also eliminate the opportunity for students to pursue a bilingual degree in northern Ontario.

Our primary mission is to offer an outstanding university experience in English and French with a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Laurentian University is a microcosm of Canada: we are northern; we are bilingual; we are committed to reconciliation.

We can assure you that as part of the CCAA process, decisions are made in careful consideration of the best interests of our students and all those impacted. We remain deeply committed to Indigenous students and communities. They are critical as we continue to press forward toward a renewed Laurentian University – one where the identity and values that have shaped our successful institution are reinforced and celebrated.

We recognize that the loss of the Indigenous Studies program upon the dissolution of the Laurentian Federation was extremely difficult and felt broadly across the community. Working with the Laurentian University Native Education Council (LUNEC), Laurentian is committed to enhancing and expanding its offerings in this area to develop a new Indigenous Program. Being a bilingual university in a tricultural environment is something we cherish – and will fight to preserve. ​

We would love to welcome you to our Laurentian community! The University remains committed to providing an excellent experience to all students in Sudbury, Northern Ontario, and beyond. As part of the effort underway to address Laurentian’s financial challenges through the CCAA process, we are working to ensure we have a strong and vibrant university going forward.

While fewer applications for the incoming academic year is disappointing, it was not unexpected, given the smaller number of programs and uncertainties of the restructuring process. ​Transforming Laurentian for a strong future is a marathon, not a sprint.
We’re confident in the positive signs that better days are ahead. They reinforce that this effort is making meaningful progress. Our community’s desire to get this rebuild right will lead to a stronger, more resilient and financially sustainable Laurentian.

Laurentian University continues to achieve athletic success in the OUA and U SPORTS in its varsity programs which include Women’s and Men’s Basketball, Soccer, Cross Country Running, Indoor Track, Golf, Nordic Skiing, Curling, Rowing and Baseball (men’s). UMen’s and women’s varsity swimming as well as the men’s and women’s varsity hockey programs were previously discontinued.

Intramural sports and clubs are student-driven and as such, will resume, provided public health guidelines associated with COVID-19 and that the activities can be conducted safely.

Comparatively, classes at Laurentian are small to moderately sized and allow for favorable engagement between faculty and students in all programs.

New students can receive support during Orientation and throughout their studies from First Year Coaches, Student Success Advisors, Counseling, Accessibility, and other support teams to help ease transition to university and help you succeed as a student. Please contact: orientation@laurentian.ca for more information.

No, tuition fees have not been affected. They are regulated by the provincial government, separate from the CCAA process. Ancillary fees, determined by the student associations and the Board of Governors, have yet to be finalized but will be communicated as soon as they are available.

Our vision for the future is to continue our legacy as a university focused on the needs of the North and the communities we serve – and for Laurentian to be a nimble space for critical thinking and innovation, where students can reach their full potential, and faculty can push the boundaries of knowledge.

We are grateful for the patience of our community partners and encouraged by the continued demand for a Laurentian education – especially during this time of concern regarding the University’s current transformation process.

As a result of its academic restructuring and with the goal of graduating leaders who will foster the growth of Northern Ontario, Laurentian has focused its programs on Health Sciences, Education, Arts, Business, Science, Engineering and Architecture – while being committed to a strong interdisciplinary experience for our students.

As we work to rebuild trust, restore pride and regain a sense of belonging, we’ll always be guided by the needs of our students and our community. ​Laurentian’s ability to provide access to post-secondary education to a diverse student body, along with its vital role as a positive force to champion a brain gain for our region, is not only part of Northern Ontario’s history but the key to its future.

For more than 60 years, Laurentian has been at the crossroads of culture, industry, art, science, and politics, growing from a humble and small institution to become Northern Ontario’s foremost university.

Laurentian’s value proposition as a bilingual university in a tricultural environment is something to be cherished – and worth preserving. We provide access to post-secondary education to a diverse student body championing a brain gain for the North, for Ontario, and beyond. More than half of our students (52%), many of them from Indigenous and Francophone communities, are the first in their family to pursue post-secondary education.

We know we have much to do to fully regain trust, rekindle pride, and rebuild a sense of belonging across our entire community. Learning from our past will set forth a renewed, sustainable future. We can focus on what unites us as a community that cares about giving our children an enriching education in a setting that will set them up for success – in life and in the career of their choice.

For more than 60 years, Laurentian has been at the crossroads of culture, industry, art, science, and politics, growing from a humble and small institution to become Northern Ontario’s foremost university. We are deeply proud of our legacy.
We are a university focused on the needs of the North and the communities we serve. We are an agile space for critical thinking and innovation, where students can reach their full potential, and faculty can push the boundaries of knowledge.

Laurentian’s bilingual university in a tricultural environment is something to be cherished – and worth preserving. We provide access to post-secondary education to a diverse student body championing a brain gain for the North, for Ontario, and beyond. More than half of our students , many of them from Indigenous and Francophone communities, are the first in their family to pursue post-secondary education.

We know we have much to do to fully regain trust, rekindle pride, and rebuild a sense of belonging across our entire community. Learning from our past will set forth a renewed, sustainable future. As we work to fully rebuild trust, restore pride and regain a sense of belonging, we’ll always be guided by the needs of our students and our community.​ We are united in our dedication to giving our children an enriching education in a setting that will set them up for success – in life and in the career of their choice.

Our students have always been our top priority. We understand that this process has been difficult. Laurentian is focusing all its efforts on doing whatever is required to successfully emerge from the CCAA proceeding with a restructured financial, operational and academic footprint and a refreshed ability to serve students for years to come.

Laurentian has done everything possible to help students find alternate programs and courses of study. Students in programs that were impacted by these changes were given detailed plans to provide a pathway to degree completion.

No. There have not been any tuition increases. Laurentian’s tuition and student fees are one of the lowest in the Province, and the Province-wide tuition freeze in place continues for 2022-23.

Yes – we look forward to welcoming your young adult at Laurentian! We are committed to providing an excellent experience for all of our students in Sudbury, Northern Ontario, and beyond.

While we progress through the CCAA process, that work does not affect students in the current academic term. This transformational effort is necessary to ensure that we have a strong and vibrant university going forward. With the Province’s recent financial support, applicants who may be considering the University can feel even more confident to study here in the North.

The current restructuring of the University, when successfully completed, will offer both an opportunity and a springboard for Laurentian to rise in rankings such as Maclean’s. However, we measure success using key metrics that are important to students and their families, things such as the rate of graduate employment in a related field, or the average employment income after graduation.

We remain the top-ranked university in post-graduate employment in Ontario, a significant accomplishment we have achieved for more than a decade now: 94 per cent of Laurentian graduates are employed after just six months and 98 percent are employed after two years.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the pool has been closed since mid-March, 2020. There is a significant amount of maintenance and repairs required to the recreation facility where the pool is housed. The cost of performing this maintenance is significant and the COVID-19 pandemic has unfortunately made matters worse, as the normal revenues Laurentian would receive through use of the recreation facility have not been realized. Laurentian is considering all its options with respect to the pool and recreational facility.

We are grateful to our students, faculty, employees, and all our community partners who care about Laurentian’s success and are working toward a renewed Laurentian. They are fundamental to ensuring that current and future students will continue to have access to a high quality post-secondary education at the University for years to come. We thank them for their patience and their deep attachment to Laurentian’s unique character as a bilingual university in a tricultural environment. The excitement among students returning to campus for a new school year has been palpable.

We are prioritizing and working hard to convey to our students our vision for the future, which is a university focused on the needs of the north and the communities we serve – and for Laurentian to be a nimble space for critical thinking and innovation, where students can reach their full potential, and faculty can push the boundaries of knowledge.