Study Says Quebec Universities Are Under-funded By $620 Million

The Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities (CREPUQ) has released data that shows an estimated $620 million shortfall of university funding, compared to other provinces.

“Under-funding has been an ongoing problem for many years, and it is jeopardizing the quality of education, teaching and learning conditions, the intensity and efficiency of university research, as well as Quebec’s overall productivity and competitiveness,” said Denis Brière, Chair of the CREPUQ Board of Directors and Rector of Université Laval.

CREPUQ is calling on the government (through grants), students (through tuition fees) and the private sector (through philanthropy and other means) to support Quebec’s universities. They also recommend a 2-phase plan to bring Quebec up to par with the rest of Canada by 2019-20.

The first phase calls for tuition increases. The second phase calls for an increase in operating grants, an additional tuition hike, more private sector contributions, or a combination of all three.

“Maintaining access to a university education is a priority for CREPUQ. Any increase in tuition fees must be accompanied by appropriate financial aid measures to ensure that no student who is willing and able to attend university is prevented from doing so for financial reasons,” added Daniel Zizian, President and Director General of CREPUQ.

You can read more details at CREPUQ’s website.