Provincial elections in October saw incumbents lose ground in British Columbia and Saskatchewan while New Brunswickers voted for change, electing the province’s first woman premier.

Jean Sauvageau, President of the Federation of New Brunswick Faculty Associations, said his organization looks forward to “working with [the new premier and her team] to build a stronger, more inclusive post-secondary education system in New Brunswick.”

In British Columbia, Monica Prendergast, President of the Confederation of University Faculty Associations of BC, said that “voters have mandated [the government] to continue its investment in progressive change that safeguards the public sector, including public post-secondary education.” She added: “B.C.’s research universities play a crucial role in the social, intellectual and economic innovation of the province. We will continue to press for bold reforms to make public post-secondary education a priority for this government.”

In Saskatchewan, the cost of living was a key campaign issue, including the affordability of post-secondary education. The average undergraduate tuition in the province is one of the highest in the country.

Nova Scotians are heading to the polls on November 26. There are signals that Ontarians could go to the polls in the new year, and in Newfoundland and Labrador, political parties are also preparing for a looming election.