The NDP government of Manitoba tabled its first budget last month, promising increased funding for post-secondary education, a 10 per cent cut in tuition fees, and the reinstatement of a provincial student bursary program cut by the former Tory government.

Student and faculty groups hailed the budget for cutting tuition and providing $5.9 million to reestablish the provincial bursary program, but many expressed disappointment that the government did not increase university and college grants to meet needs.

"This is great news for students and a great step to improving access," said Robert Chernomas, president of the Manitoba Organization of Faculty Associations. "But because the increased funding for colleges and universities falls short of what's needed, students will have access to fewer books, fewer courses, and fewer teachers."

The budget provided for an $8.8 million (3.8 per cent) increase in operating grants for universities and colleges, but critics say that's at least $10 million shy of what is required after years of cutbacks under the Tories.

Peter Blunden, incoming president of the University of Manitoba Faculty Association, says the administration is already warning that faculties and departments will have to cut costs by at least 3 per cent as a result.

"I'm sure there will be cuts at the faculty level and positions that won't get filled," said Blunden.