The B.C. government is conducting an independent review of post-secondary education governance and program delivery, with a final report due March 15.
The Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC raised concerns about the compressed timeline, limited public consultation and the review’s mandate that excludes any discussion of new financial support from the provincial government.
The Confederation of University Faculty Associations of BC emphasized the need for transparency, follow-through and a fair funding model that supports the “broad academic mission” of universities and colleges.
The BC Federation of Students warned that ruling out new government funding would lead to increased tuition fees for struggling students.
According to the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, B.C. institutions face financial pressures from “unilateral” federal cuts to international student study permits, which are estimated to reduce annual revenue by $300 million. Nineteen of B.C.’s 25 institutions expect at least one annual deficit over the next three years.
