Province announces funding for high-demand programs in Southern Alberta

“Alberta’s economy is on the rise, and with this rapid pace of growth comes a growing need for highly skilled and talented workers,” said Nicolaides. “These investments are giving confidence to employers that regional workforce needs will be met, and provides reassurance for students pursuing fulfilling careers in high-demand industries.”

The bulk of the funding will be invested in Lethbridge, with $3.7 million earmarked for the University of Lethbridge, and $1.2 million going toward Lethbridge College. Medicine Hat College will receive $324,000.

President and Vice-chancellor of the University of Lethbridge Mike Mahon welcomed the funding announcement, saying this funding will help the University of Lethbridge and regional communities.

“Investments in post-secondary education are critical in ensuring the economic and social success of Albertans,” said Mahon. “Providing resources to expand high-demand programs will ensure more students have access to the University of Lethbridge, which in turn supports our regional communities and beyond.”

Nicolaides explained this funding is meant to support operational needs of the institutions, including hiring more instructors, non-union staff, and improving learning materials.

“The bulk of the funding is going to strengthen instructional capacity,” Nicolaides said. “So bringing on additional faculty, ensuring there’s the proper course material that’s required. It’s not going to physical infrastructure to expand physical facilities.”

While this funding is needed to expand these in-demand programs, it does not address the financial barriers for students looking to enroll.

Over the last three years, tuition at the University of Lethbridge has increased 7% each year, which is the maximum allowed after the UCP removed the freeze on tuition originally put in place by former Alberta Premier Allison Redford.

Nicolaides says the UCP took steps in this year’s budget to help students in need of financial assistance.

“There are additional dollars in Budget 2022 earmarked to support student financial assistance,” Nicolaides said. “There’s $12 million over three years to boost our existing scholarships, and there’s $15 million over three years to create a new bursary for low income students. We’re finalizing the design and development of that new bursary. We’ve also provided additional supports in terms of providing more flexibility around student loans and other measures.”

After the announcement event at the University of Lethbridge, the Critic for Advanced Education, David Eggen of the Alberta NDP, said in a release that the UCP is having to backtrack on its cuts to education.

“The UCP is scrambling due to the problems their post-secondary budget cuts have caused,” Eggen said. “Investment in post-secondary is critical to the future of Alberta, and yet they have gutted options for Albertans to access advanced education and career training to the tune of $690 million.”

The institutions that are receiving the funds plan to be ready to accept more students for the targeted programs in the upcoming fall semester.

by Drew Stremick

Province announces funding for high-demand programs in Southern Alberta

What's Happening