Steve Paikin resigns as Laurentian University chancellor

Northern reaction to LU's provincial bailout The provincial government announced millions of dollars in new aid for financially insolvent Laurentian University on Thursday.

Sudbury — Television journalist Steve Paikin has resigned as chancellor of Laurentian University.

The host of The Agenda on TVO tweeted about his resignation Monday.

Paikin was responding to a tweet asking him to step in on behalf of faculty and students at Laurentian.

"I actually don't have a platform," he responded. "I resigned a week ago."

That would mean Paikin resigned April 12, the day widespread program and staffing cuts were announced as part of the university's insolvency process under the Companies Creditors Arrangement Act.

Paikin was appointed chancellor in 2013 for a five-year term, which was renewed in 2018 for three years. His term was set to expire in July.

In an internal email Monday, LU president Robert Hache confirmed the news.

"Mr. Paikin's second term was scheduled to end on June 30, 20201, but has ended at his request due to competing professional obligations at this time," Hache wrote.

"Laurentian University is very grateful for Mr. Paikin's service and wishes him the best as he continues his career as a journalist, author and documentary filmmaker."

CTV News has contacted Laurentian to get comment, and has left a message for Paikin, also looking for comment.