Despite warnings about looming spending cuts to post-secondary education, the New Brunswick government ultimately chose to freeze operating grants for the province’s four publicly funded universities when it released its latest budget on March 17.
Ahead of budget day, faculty associations warned that the government’s rumoured cuts to post-secondary education funding would be “devastating” for students. Reduced government support would force universities to scale back course offerings and student services as well as eliminate academic programs. This would lead to job losses, particularly among part‑time faculty.
Students from across the province mobilized and staged protests. Student unions warned that the proposed cuts could push tuition higher for students already struggling with affordability, worsen labour shortages in critical sectors like healthcare by reducing the number of graduates, and weaken local economies that rely on campuses.
The government is projecting a $19.7-billion deficit over the next three years. Finance Minister René Legacy said that efforts to reduce expenses and curb “continued structural increases” in the budget are only beginning.
Premier Susan Holt’s 2024 election platform emphasized support for post‑secondary education in New Brunswick and helping students navigate “the cost‑of‑living crisis.”
