NDP says more stable funding is needed for the province’s post-secondary schools.
Advanced Education Critic David Eggen says over $690 million in cuts over the last three years has led to students having to go elsewhere for a college or university education.
“The young population that we have is our best asset to building the next generation, building the economy and building quality of life here. If people have to leave because they can’t afford to go to school here or they can’t get a spot, we know that there’s an awful lot of kids coming through grade school right now that will need a college or university place. If we don’t build a lot of new places, the same thing is gonna happen.”
Eggen says long term stable funding is needed for these schools to better plan for their future.
He adds that the schools in smaller communities are particularly affected by the decisions of the UCP.
“Do they know what’s best for a place like Fairview, or High Prairie, or Grande Prairie or Peace River, maybe, maybe not. Frankly colleges are at their best when they get to determine their own future. If we manage to form the next government, we would put long term stable funding on the table and affordable tuition rates.”
We talked to Eggen on the Trending 55 Hot Seat, that full discussion can be found below.
– Kyle Moore, Trending 55 Newsroom.
