Students' Union Advocacy
The last few years have been tough for post-secondary education in Alberta, and despite government promises that cuts would not “fall on the backs of students,” cuts to the U of A’s budget are starting to be passed onto us.
Since the 1990’s tuition in Alberta has nearly tripled in real dollars, controlling for inflation. In recognition of the impact of these significant increases, the province tied tuition to inflation in 2006, a policy commonly referred to as the tuition cap. In 2010 then minister for Advanced Education, Doug Horner, allowed for a “one-time only” round of market modifiers to satisfy institutions that were concerned with tuition levels before the tuition cap. This past July, the province surprised students, calling for additional market modifier proposals. According to information from the Ministry of IAE the decision on which proposals are approved will be made by November 17, 2014.
Unfortunately, the government's actions shows students that their promises to limit tuition increases were little more than air. What was called a “one-time” opening of the tuition cap has happened again, and the government is now reviewing proposals to massively increase tuition for certain faculties. If this happens, the impact will be beyond those targeted faculties — all our programs could be at risk, since the government is no longer limiting tuition increases to inflation.
Limiting tuition to inflation allows students and families in Alberta to save money for school, knowing that any increases will be fair and predictable. Discarding the tuition cap will make education less accessible for the vast majority of Albertans, making it difficult for students to afford post-secondary, and leaving those who can still attend saddled by massive amounts of student loan debt upon completion.
Let’s go to the Legislature!
It is time for the government to see that students are willing to stand up for the future of Alberta’s post-secondary system.
On November 17, students from across Alberta will meet in Edmonton at the U of A’s main quad at 1:00 pm and march across the high level bridge to the Alberta Legislative Assembly. When we arrive at 2:15, we will rally on the steps of the legislature.
On November 17, we will rally outside as the government starts the fall session and presents the Throne Speech — and this is also the same day that the government has told us they will release their decision on market modifiers.
It is time to tell the government that we want them to prioritize post-secondary education. Our institutions and students have been hit hard by reduced funding. Our courses have been cut, we’ve seen quality deteriorate, and yet the price tag keeps rising.
Students’ interests are Alberta’s interests. We have the lowest post-secondary participation rate in the country and it’s time to change that if Alberta truly wants to sustain itself as a leading economy.
Get involved. Please email us if you would like to help organize, we will be making signs on Thursday November 12 to prepare for the rally.
Phone
780-492-4241
Email
jonathan.olfert@su.ualberta.ca
Students' Union Executive and Administrative Offices
Room 2-900
Students' Union Building
University of Alberta
8900 - 114 Street NW
Edmonton, AB
T6G 2J7
