Strengthening Alberta’s Post-Secondary Education System

The Alberta government is taking proactive measures to improve the quality and competitiveness of its post-secondary education system. A key step in this effort is the creation of an expert panel, led by economist Jack Mintz, tasked with evaluating funding models and ensuring that financial resources are used efficiently to support both students and educational institutions.

The Importance of Post-Secondary Education in Alberta

Alberta’s publicly funded post-secondary education system is vital to the province’s economic success. It prepares a skilled workforce, drives research and innovation, and plays a crucial role in attracting investment and talent. Reflecting the government’s commitment to maintaining a top-tier education system, the province introduced the Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs plan in 2021. This ten-year strategy focuses on six key objectives:

• Enhance access and student experience
• Develop skills for the workforce
• Promote innovation and commercialization
• Strengthen internationalization
• Improve sustainability and affordability
• Enhance system governance

The goals of this plan aim to foster an adaptable education environment that responds to labor market needs while encouraging collaboration between educational institutions and industries.

The Role of the Expert Panel

The newly established expert panel will undertake a thorough review of the funding landscape within Alberta’s post-secondary institutions. The panel’s key objectives include:

• Evaluating current funding models and exploring alternative solutions.
• Assessing the impact of federal immigration policies on Alberta’s post-secondary institutions.
• Analyzing administrative and regulatory challenges faced by these institutions.
• Comparing the competitiveness of Alberta’s higher education system to other provinces and countries.

Engaging with stakeholders, including public post-secondary institutions, the panel will gather insights to guide its recommendations. A final report is expected in late 2025.

Addressing Current Challenges

This initiative comes at a critical time as Alberta’s post-secondary institutions face several challenges. Recent federal policy changes concerning international student permits may affect institutional revenue streams, making it necessary for Alberta to reassess its funding strategies to remain competitive.

The province has also significantly increased its investment in training programs for in-demand fields, allocating an estimated $1.4 billion for student support in the 2024 budget. This funding boost is essential as institutions cope with rising operational costs and inflation, which have put pressure on their financial resources.

The formation of the expert panel marks a pivotal step in Alberta’s efforts to enhance its post-secondary education system. By reviewing funding models and addressing current challenges, the province aims to ensure that its institutions continue to provide exceptional opportunities for students while contributing to the province’s economic growth and innovation.Top of FormBottom of Form