University of Western Ontario President Amit Chakma pulled no punches last week in sharing opinions on how London needs to stimulate growth and opportunity.
Western President Amit Chakma shares his views on strengthening London’s economic success during a recent London Economic Development Corporation summit.
“I have no doubt that we know what exactly needs to be done. Let’s not debate too much longer, let’s just get on with it,” said Chakma, welcomed with a round of applause shortly into his presentation to a large audience at an economic forum sponsored by the London Economic Development Corporation.
“I’m a glass half-full person,” said Chakma. “When I look at this community I see lots of opportunities; yes I see challenges, but they can be overcome. What I believe we need is the right culture and the right attitude. That ‘can do’ attitude.”
While Western and Fanshawe College are important to the city, he said the city itself is just as important to the success of the two institutions.
“Our success, and my success, is inter-connected with the success of our community. And that’s why I give you my commitment, and the commitment of my colleagues at Western, that more can be done and we will do more.”
He cited the examples of Kitchener-Waterloo, with a pharmaceutical school, and Stratford, with a digital media centre, investing millions of dollars in the future success of their cities. Chakma asked the rhetorical question: does London have the courage to make similar investments?
“We need high aspirations. We need to come together and set our goals as a community,” he says. “We need to be strategic with this, but at the same time opportunistic. We need to be prepared and entrepreneurial.
“We need to be innovative in our approach and work together as a community. We need to speak with a single voice and shape our own future. More importantly, we need to be masters of our own destiny. We cannot afford to wait for others to help us, we need to help ourselves.”
Chakma joked he has had more meetings with city officials in just under three months on the job than he’s had with the deans, adding he wants to make it clear that London is his home and he wants only the best for his community.
While projects at Western may be seen by some as simply a university initiative, he is hopeful London will consider it to be their projects as well.
“It is not just our project, we are all part of the same community,” says Chakma. “If Fanshawe comes up with a project and Western has zero role, I will make it my project.”
He adds the London business community is all stakeholders in the future economic success of the city and that teamwork is essential to achieve this.
“Let’s forget about who does what, let’s get on with the job. There are significant opportunities out there for us and we all need to play a part,” says Chakma.
“Let’s come together as a community with some bold initiatives and focus and bringing these project to fruition to lay the foundation for a better and prosperous London. You can count on Western’s support, and you can count on my personal support to be your partner in this journey.”
