Well-known economics professor Dr. Wade Locke will help shed some light on the role post-secondary institutions play in regional development later this month.

It’s all part of a free public discussion being hosted by the Harris Centre as part of its Memorial Presents lecture series.

The session, From Ivory Tower to Regional Power: the role of universities and colleges in development, is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 14, at 7:30 p.m. in room IIC-2001 in the Inco Innovation Centre on Memorial’s St. John’s campus.

A recent study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) demonstrated the valuable contributions which higher-education institutions make to their societies. Atlantic Canada was one of only 14 regions in the world which was included in this study.

Dr. Locke participated in the OECD study and wrote the report on Atlantic Canada. He will be accompanied by three panelists: Elizabeth Beale, president and CEO of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council, based in Halifax, N.S.; Cyril Farrell, executive director of the Atlantic Provinces Community College Consortium, based in Grand Falls-Windsor, NL; and Graham Letto, mayor of Labrador City, the president of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, and a long-time practitioner of regional development.

“The purpose of this particular session is to promote the value of Memorial University and the College of the North Atlantic in helping to solve the social and economic problems facing Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Michael Clair, associate director, public policy, Harris Centre.

“This session is part of our Memorial Presents series which aims to create forums where the public can discuss important issues of public policy. The Harris Centre believes that an effective democracy depends on informed citizens, and the independence and integrity of Memorial University guarantees a non-partisan forum for such discussions.”

Mr. Clair said participants should walk away with a comprehensive understanding of the role that colleges and universities play in “enhancing the quality of life and developing the economy of their home regions.”

Members of the Memorial community and the general public are invited to attend the session. Admission is free and there is no need to register for the event. 

The session will be webcast live on the Internet, beginning at 7:30 p.m. (NST). Log onto Harris Centre's website to view the webcast. Viewers will be able to submit questions or comments to the speakers by e-mail, and these will be read out during the session. 

Free parking is available in Area 18, located between the Queen Elizabeth II Library and the Prince Philip Parkway.

A reception will be held following the discussion, courtesy of the Harris Centre.

Memorial Presents is a series of public forums hosted by the Harris Centre on issues of important public policy in Newfoundland and Labrador.