A report of the NDP Provincial Council meeting held on November 5, 2011 obtained by the Brandon University Faculty Association (BUFA) reveals that a Provincial mandate limiting Brandon University salaries has never existed.

    According to the report, authored by NDP Provincial Council member Errol Black, Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger was asked directly whether such a mandate ever existed.  In response, he said “No,” adding, “we've just given the universities 5, 5 and 5% increases in operating grants, so why would we direct them to hold salary increases...?”

    The Premier’s comments directly contradict public statements made by Brandon University during the contract negotiations with BUFA.

    In commenting on this development, BUFA spokesperson Bill Paton said, “We trust that this matter can finally be put to rest, so that we can now complete negotiations on a fair and equitable settlement at the table.”

    “We’ve wasted way too much time on this red herring,” Paton added.

    The strike by BUFA is entering its 26th day.