The Sudbury, Ont.-based institution filed for court protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act to address “significant financial challenges.” The court granted the initial order. The provincial government appointed Alan Harrison to assist with the matter as special advisor to the minister of colleges and universities. (The Logic)

Talking point: The university “is insolvent,” president Robert Haché wrote in a statement. He cited historical recurring deficits, declining demographics in Northern Ontario and the pandemic for creating “unprecedented financial challenges,” adding that the university hopes to complete key components of its restructuring plan by the end of April, with the ultimate goal of remaining operational. An “unprecedented” situation, “where such drastic and immediate action is needed to ensure its long-term sustainability,” is “deeply concerning,” said Ontario Colleges and Universities Ross Romano in a statement. The government is focused on ensuring students can continue their studies uninterrupted, he said. Harrison will advise him on options for Laurentian’s return to financial sustainability. Options may include introducing legislation to give the province greater oversight of university finances.