The Spark of Controversy: Board Approves Executive Raises in Closed Session

On October 16, 2025, Laurentian University's board of governors held a special in-camera meeting—a closed session not open to the public or certain board members—and approved significant salary increases for its top executives. This decision came to light only recently through the release of meeting minutes ahead of the February 27, 2026, board meeting. The timing has fueled outrage among faculty and staff unions, especially following a contentious three-week faculty strike that disrupted campus life earlier that year.

Laurentian University, located in Sudbury, Ontario, has been navigating financial recovery since filing for protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA)—Canada's largest corporate insolvency statute—in February 2021. This was the first time a public university in Canada sought such protection, leading to widespread program cuts, faculty layoffs, and salary concessions across all employee groups. The recent executive pay adjustments, however, appear to diverge from that era of austerity.

Detailed Breakdown of the Salary Increases

President Lynn Wells, who assumed her role in April 2024, saw her base annual salary rise from $286,815 to $318,365—an 11% increase retroactive to July 1, 2025. This equates to an additional roughly $31,550 per year. The provost and vice-president academic position, currently held on an interim basis by Alain Simard following Malcolm Campbell's leave, had its base salary set at $252,210, up 11% from $227,216, effective August 1, 2025.

These adjustments were enabled by a provincial exemption from the Broader Public Sector Executive Compensation Act, granted in January 2024 by Ontario's Treasury Board Secretariat. This act caps executive pay in publicly funded organizations to align with provincial guidelines, but exemptions allow adjustments for recruitment and retention needs. Wells' original 2023 contract included provisions for performance-based merit pay of 0-5%, but the base hike addresses broader market alignment.

Unions Voice Strong Objections and Procedural Concerns

Fabrice Colin, president of the Laurentian University Faculty Association (LUFA), which represents over 300 full-time faculty, librarians, and counsellors, called the raises "disappointing," especially as faculty salaries lag peers by $20,000-$30,000 for associate and full professors. LUFA members ratified a new three-year contract on February 9, 2026, after striking from late January, securing 4.25% annual increases—far below the executive hikes.

Colin emphasized reciprocity: "We are not against senior administration being fairly compensated, but they should reciprocate. They should apply that for every employee group." He linked the issue to ongoing recovery from CCAA-mandated concessions, where faculty endured a net 2.2% pay cut over five years.

Tom Fenske, president of the Laurentian University Staff Union (LUSU), demanded a new vote, alleging bylaw violations: no 48-hour written notice to all board members and delayed minutes sharing. As non-voting ex-officio members, neither Fenske nor Colin received prior notice. Fenske stated, "Our bylaws are very clear that all board members were supposed to be given notice of all meetings."

At the February 27 board meeting, unions and faculty grilled chair Jay Barbeau, who deferred minutes approval for legal review.Explore professor salaries across Canadian institutions for context.

University's Defense: Market Alignment and Pre-Existing Process

Board chair Jay Barbeau defended the decision, noting it predates current incumbents and LUFA negotiations, aiming to align pay with "peer institutions of comparable size and location." The university highlighted fiscal responsibility amid recovery, with raises applying to positions for recruitment purposes.

President Wells acknowledged the strike's challenges but committed to dialogue. The process followed provincial exemption protocols, deferred until post-CCAA term sheet expiration on July 1, 2025.Wells' employment agreement outlines such reviews.

Recent Faculty Strike: A Flashpoint for Tensions

The controversy erupted post-strike, which halted classes for nearly three weeks until ratification on February 9, 2026. LUFA sought better compensation after years of freezes and cuts. Sessional instructors got 4% raises initially, dropping to 2% later. The "ghost" of CCAA concessions loomed, with the university citing loan conditions limiting spending.

• Strike duration: Late January to early February 2026
• Ratification vote: 74% approval for full-time members
• Key gains: 4.25% annual increases, addressing lag vs. Ontario peers
• Impacts: Delayed spring registration to May 15, 2026

Students faced disruptions, but campus remained open for other activities. For career advice post such events, check higher ed career advice.

Financial Landscape: Recovery Amid Enrollment Challenges

Laurentian's 2025-26 budget projects a $19.3 million surplus on $228.1 million revenue, bolstered by asset sales ($17.6 million gain). Salaries and benefits total $122.3 million (57% of expenses). However, international enrollment dropped sharply—undergrad from 266 to 211, grad from 1,264 to 987—due to federal study permit caps.

Domestic undergrad grew slightly (4,316 to 4,394), but risks include visa policies and costs. CCAA exit planned by November 2025.University salaries data shows executive pay varies widely.Full budget report.

Stakeholder Perspectives: Broader Implications

Beyond unions, community voices on platforms like Reddit question priorities: "Laurentian cried poverty during negotiations but hikes exec pay." Students worry about enrollment impacts and fees. Experts note Canadian higher ed trends: executive pay often benchmarks against peers, but transparency lags.Canadian higher ed jobs.

Comparisons:

• Faculty: 4.25% vs. exec 11%
• Post-CCAA: Net faculty cuts vs. market adjustments
• Peers: Sudbury peers may have higher baselines

Calls for Reform and Transparency

Unions advocate open processes, faculty board seats, and equitable adjustments. Fenske pushes rescission; Colin ties to trust-building. Ontario's post-secondary funding reforms, including OSAP changes, add pressure.Higher ed executive jobs highlight retention challenges.

Future Outlook: Balancing Recovery and Equity

Laurentian aims for sustainability via domestic growth and efficiencies, but tensions persist. Potential legal reviews could reshape governance. Positive: Surplus supports investments. Watch for April 24 board update.

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Photo by Zoshua Colah on Unsplash