As Canadian provinces released their budgets for the new fiscal year beginning April 1, increased higher education investments emerged as a common theme. This article provides an overview of the main budgetary provisions for the fiscal year 2024-2025 across four provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec.
1. Higher Education Investments in Alberta
The Alberta government’s budget, released on February 9, allocates $5.6 billion (in parity with 2023-2024 amount) for higher education investments, with $2.5 billion for direct operating support to Alberta’s publicly funded postsecondary institutions. Notable allocations for the upcoming fiscal year include:
- $55 million for the University of Calgary beginning in 2025-2026 to bolster student enrolment in STEM programs
- $37 million for the expansion of the University of Calgary’s veterinary medicine school
- $34.9 million for capital maintenance and renewal at the University of Alberta
With targeted funding for STEM programs and capital maintenance, the government aims to foster academic excellence and infrastructure development, laying the groundwork for future growth and innovation.
2. Higher Education Investments in British Columbia
British Columbia’s government has allocated $3.3 billion in higher education investments for the 2024-2025 school year, marking a $600 million increase from the previous year. Highlights of the funding include:
- $139 million for construction of an engineering and computer science building at the University of Victoria
- $25 million to finalize the construction of Capilano University’s Centre for Childhood Studies
- $5 million for specialized equipment to create a Rapid Air Improvement Network at UBC
Additionally, the budget 2024-2025 includes a total capital spending of $6.0 billion over three years. These investments will address future workforce and economic development needs in key sectors, including health, science, trade, and technology. Examples of capital investments include:
- $178 million for construction of the Trades and Technology Complex at the Burnaby campus of the British Columbia Institute of Technology. This project is in procurement and is anticipated to be completed in 2027.
- $139 million for construction to accommodate the School of Biomedical Engineering at the University of British Columbia. This project is under construction and is anticipated to be completed in 2025.
- $291 million for the construction of the Centre for Clean Energy & Automotive Innovation at Vancouver Community College. This project is in procurement and is anticipated to be completed in 2027.
British Columbia’s allocation of $3.3 billion for postsecondary education, coupled with substantial capital investments, reflects the province’s dedication to building a skilled workforce and driving economic development.
3. Higher Education Investments in Ontario
Ontario’s commitment to education for 2024-2025 stands at $12.2 billion for higher education investments, reflecting a $100 million increase from the previous fiscal year. The budget also mentions the previously announced $1.3 billion over three years to stabilize postsecondary institutions but contains no new investments. The 2024-2025 budget also include:
- $130 million for infrastructure improvements to renovate colleges and universities across the province.
- $128 million over three years to increase enrolment for registered nurses and registered practical nurses at colleges and universities.
- $10 million in 2024-2025 for small, northern, and rural colleges and universities
The Ontario government announced the investment of $6.1 billion over the next 10 years in its capital plan, including over $2.2 billion in capital grants, to help colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes modernize facilities by upgrading technology, supporting critical repairs, and improving energy efficiency.
To help students and parents in the province, the Ontario government will extend the tuition fee freeze for publicly assisted colleges and universities for at least three more years. The province is also introducing the Strengthening Accountability and Student Supports Act, of 2024. If passed this legislation would require postsecondary institutions to provide information about ancillary fees and other student’s costs as well as mental health and racism policies in place.
Ontario’s commitment of $12.2 billion to the postsecondary sector, along with strategic investments in infrastructure and student supports, highlights the province’s focus on accessibility, quality, and accountability in higher education.
4. Higher Education Investments in Quebec
The Quebec government’s budget for 2024-2025 allocates $11 billion inhigher education investments. This represents a $500 million increase compared to 2023-2024. Furthermore, the government announced $420.5 million over five years to promote success in higher education. The budget also committed:
- $25 million to improve graduation rates and retention of university students
- $8 million to improve graduation rates in energy and other provincial priority fields, support teacher training, and support the digital transformation of CEGEPs
- $1.5 million to increase student housing and maintain building inventory.
In the Quebec Infrastructure Plan 2024-2034, the Quebec government identified 36 projects to be done in the higher education sector. These projects will total more than $8 billion. Here are a few examples:
- $37.1 million for the renovation of the main pavilion at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi
- $50.4 million for the construction of a new pavilion at the Cégep de Drummondville
- $870 million for the construction and redevelopment of McGill University on part of the site of the former Royal Victoria Hospital.
Quebec’s investment in student success initiatives and infrastructure projects demonstrates the province’s dedication to advancing academic achievement and enhancing campus environments.
Governments are allocating significant resources from Alberta to Quebec to support student learning, research, and infrastructure development. In conclusion, the budgets of these provinces demonstrate a desire to bolster academic excellence, research capabilities, and student support services across Canada.
