John Crosbie, the chancellor of Memorial University of Newfoundland, is accusing Premier Danny Williams of putting political ambitions ahead of education priorities by favouring an independent status for Sir Wilfred Grenfell College.

Williams and Education Minister Joan Burke both said this week they want Corner Brook-based Grenfell to gain independence, even though Memorial's board of regents says the move is not practical.

John Crosbie has accused government ministers of promoting independence for Grenfell College so they can 'shine in their own districts.'
(CBC)

Crosbie, a former federal and provincial cabinet minister, did not mince words on Friday when speaking about the government's motivations.

"There appears to be political motivation in this whole situation, and the desire of the premier and one of his principal ministers to shine in their own districts," Crosbie said.

Williams represents the Corner Brook-area district of Humber West. Finance Minister Minister Tom Marshall represents neighbouring Humber East.

As well, Burke — who has taken the lead for government on the issue — represents the nearby west coast district of St. George's-Stephenville East.

Government announced its plans in this spring's budget, catching Memorial's administration and board of regents — which governs the institution — off guard.

The university says it is concerned on a number of fronts, one of them being the ease with which students can transfer course credits from one campus to another.

Crosbie said the future of Memorial is at stake, and accused the provincial government of already damaging the university.

He said even the appearance of political interference can harm the university's image and reputation.

"If the government thinks it can intervene in Memorial's affairs for politically partisan purposes, then Memorial will not have much stature among the universities in Canada," he said.

Burke told CBC News that giving Grenfell autonomy in its affairs has nothing to do with politics, and that Crosbie's protests are too late.

"The die is cast," she said.

"We've made our decision … We've had numerous reports done over a number of years, and basically we want to move on with this."

What an autonomous Grenfell would look like, though, is not clear.

"At the end of the day, Grenfell will have autonomy," Williams said Wednesday.

"Whether that means complete, separate independence from Memorial — if that's not the right way to go, then we'll do a hybrid that works for everybody."

Crosbie said if government insists on making Grenfell a university, it must be a clean break, with separate names, governing boards and operations.

Burke says she wants to see an independent Grenfell by the beginning of the fall academic year in 2008.

Memorial is the only university in the province.