The sacred land on which the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) operates has been a site of human activity for more than 10,000 years. This land is the territory of the Huron-Wendat and Petun First Nations, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. The territory was the subject of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy and the Ojibwe and allied nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes.

Today, the meeting place of Toronto is still the home to many indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work in the community, on this territory.

This statement was developed by the Elders Circle (Council of Aboriginal Initiatives). It was last revised November 6, 2014.

In fulfilling our mission, the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) strives to provide its services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. As such, COU will provide an alternative communications format upon request.

To obtain information in an alternative format, contact:

Marina Piao
Chief Administrative Officer
Council of Ontario Universities
180 Dundas St. W., Suite 1800
Toronto, ON M5G 1Z8
416-979-2165 ext. 214

• Click here to view COU’s Multi-Year Accessibility Plan.

The Ontario university community is deeply aware of the challenges that face the world arising from climate change and the degradation of natural environments. Our universities accept this special responsibility on three scores: to assist in finding solutions to the challenges of environmental sustainability; to share knowledge about sustainability and climate change; and to incorporate, wherever possible, principles of sustainability into our own operations.

Ontario universities, ranging in size from small and rural institutions to large and urban ones, began work on the creation of sustainable campuses many years ago, and we continue to demonstrate leadership in advancing a greener world. In particular, Ontario universities will work together to do the following:

• Develop and implement multi-pronged strategies to reduce energy consumption.
• Promote reuse and recycling in all aspects of our operations.
• Transition purchasing decisions toward producers and suppliers who have adopted environmentally responsible practices.
• Ensure the availability of locally grown and fair-trade foods and beverages on our campuses.
• Build new facilities in accordance with principles of sustainability and energy efficiency.
• Renovate existing facilities to improve energy efficiency and reduce waste.
• Seek to preserve green space on our campuses wherever possible.
• Share information across campuses regarding best practices from the standpoint of sustainability and environmental impact.
• Develop institutional environmental sustainability plans with measurable objectives.
• Publish an annual report documenting the efforts of all Ontario universities to modify their operations in ways that are responsive to the threats of global climate change and environmental degradation.

We further accept our responsibility to do the following:

• Provide forums for the discussion and development of solutions regarding sustainability issues.
• Share research insights and best practices regarding climate change and sustainable development.
• Work in partnership with governments, the public, businesses and others in the academic world so that we may together create an environmentally sustainable Ontario.

Download a pdf version the Pledge from the Executive Heads, “Ontario Universities: Committed to a Greener World.”

COU is committed to high standards of ethical behaviour. The Safe Disclosure Policy sets out the principles and responsibilities for prevention, detection and good faith disclosure of wrongdoing, as well as the investigation process that will result from such a disclosure. The policy provides a mechanism to disclose concerns in good faith, without fear of reprisal, and reflects COU’s commitment to accountability and ethical conduct.

To learn more about COU’s Safe Disclosure Policy and reporting mechanism, please contact the HR Manager.