Toronto, September 10, 2009 – Dr. James Downey has announced that he will not seek re-appointment as president of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario (HEQCO) at the end of his term this year.

As HEQCO’s founding president, Downey effectively guided the Council through its start-up phase, assembled a first-rate staff, oversaw the development of the Council’s ambitious research agenda and established constructive relations with the higher education community.

Downey was able to draw upon his extensive experience of higher education in Ontario, Canada and the Commonwealth.  That experience included three university presidencies (Carleton, New Brunswick and Waterloo), and terms as chair of the Council of Ontario Universities and the Association of Commonwealth Universities.

Speaking for the Council’s board of directors, its chair, the Honourable Frank Iacobucci said, “We are grateful for Jim’s many contributions to the organization.  Jim has been a pleasure to work with and while we would prefer that he stayed on, we understand his decision to spend more time with his family and wish him well in the future.”

 “I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to play a part in the creation of such a unique and essential agency, one devoted to conducting research into all vital aspects of postsecondary education and providing evidence-based policy advice to the government,” said Downey.

The search for a new president will begin immediately.  Dr. Downey will stay on until his successor is able to take office.

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About the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario

The Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario is an arm’s-length agency of the Government of Ontario dedicated to ensuring the continued improvement of the postsecondary education system.  The Council was created through the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario Act, 2005. It is mandated to conduct research, evaluate the postsecondary education system, and provide policy recommendations to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities with a view to enhance the quality, access, and accountability of Ontario’s higher education system.

For further information, please contact:

Jeff Rohrer, Communications Manager, Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario, (416) 212 5242

jrohrer@heqco.ca; www.heqco.ca