Dear Editor:
Re: How Cap Copes, Feb. 7 Sunday Focus story.
The North Shore News has made a valuable contribution outlining Cap U’s predicament and presenting the viewpoints of the province, the regional MLAs and of Cap U itself.
The dubious decision to grant university status in 2008 and Cap U’s acceptance, knowing it came without additional funding, are water under the bridge. But compounded by reduced programs and diminishing demographics they have put Cap U on the slippery slope.
While politicians you quote were pleased Cap U met provincial budget restraints, their happiness is little comfort if Cap U keeps cutting programs and losing students, a path that at some point makes it unviable. What is not evident among the stakeholders interviewed for your article is a sound strategy going forward.
The province might be well advised to amalgamate Cap U with another public community college in Metro Vancouver and thus keep a post-secondary institution on the North Shore.
Cap U is not a star, but it is a provincial asset, and British Columbians and North Shore residents deserve better than perpetuating a downward spiral.
Garrett H. Polman
West Vancouver
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