The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) is welcoming a private members’ bill introduced in Parliament today that would see the federal government provide the support needed for high-quality accessible public post-secondary education and research.

“The funding shortfall for post-secondary education is devastating to students and communities,” said CAUT President Brenda Austin-Smith.  “The federal government simply can't abandon students and their families any longer.”

“As we move into a post-pandemic world and all of its complexities, we rely on universities and colleges—and those who work within them – to deliver the innovation, education and research our society and economy needs to face today’s challenges.”

The bill tabled by NDP MP Heather McPherson (Edmonton-Strathcona) sets out how the federal government would transfer funding for post-secondary education to the provinces in the same way it provides healthcare funding through the Canada Health Transfer. The bill stipulates that federal funds would be used to support non-profit public institutions. The bill would also regulate the overuse of precarious workers by universities and colleges.

For scheduling reasons, the Private Members' Bill will need government support for it to be debated in the House of Commons this parliamentary session. Click here to show your support for this debate.