The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) calls for decisive action to strengthen post-secondary education and achieve the Liberal government’s science and innovation plan, outlined in the recent Speech from the Throne given by King Charles III.
“The vision of making Canada the world’s leading hub for science and innovation is bold and promising,” said CAUT executive director David Robinson. “However, the reality is that universities and colleges are in desperate need of resources to achieve this goal.”
Across the country, universities and colleges are suspending enrolments, cutting programs, freezing hiring, and laying off staff.
To achieve the vision put forward in the Speech from the Throne, the federal government must take decisive action to invest in post-secondary education.
This requires collaboration with the provinces to:
- increase core funding to universities and colleges to ensure post-secondary education is affordable, accessible, and of high quality
- safeguard the academic workforce and programs
- invest significantly in research – including basic research that builds the foundation for Canadian-driven solutions and economic benefits
Strong, resilient and well-funded universities and colleges are crucial to achieving the federal government’s vision.
“Without federal leadership to address the severe strain on post-secondary institutions, the capacity of teachers and researchers to drive scientific and social progress will be weakened,” Robinson emphasized.
