Alberta’s Budget Cut to Postsecondary Schools Not Deep

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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University leaders have openly welcomed Alberta’s decision to protect postsecondary institutions from the critical impact of the collapse in oil prices, highlighting that the modest 4-per-cent trim to their budgets is a proof that Premier Jim Prentice values the importance of higher education to the province’s economic future.

The president of the University of Alberta, Indira Samarasekera, alleged that “given where Alberta is and the fiscal situation, I think the Premier and his team have done a remarkable job of navigating the province in a very tough time, and laying down a plan of how Alberta might finally not be subject to the roller coaster of oil and gas revenues.” The budget had signaled an overhaul of how the province funds postsecondary institutions. Currently, money accounts for a higher percentage of university revenue in Alberta than in other provinces, and student tuition fees for less. However, the budget alleged that the province will examine and possibly change that funding structure over the next five years.

On the other hand, student associations are now becoming concerned that the province might be moving toward removing the inflation cap on tuition increases. Dr. Samarasekera alleged that “we have to worry about students, particularly about students from a lower socio-economic background. There are other ways in which revenue can be generated,” adding that continuing education and increased alumni fundraising could be ways to increase money without placing too much of a burden on students.

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