Minister Of Advanced Education Writes

By Submitted Article

March 19, 2008

The Editor
Opinion 250

I’d like to provide accurate information about the Province’s funding for the College of New Caledonia, which has increased every single year since 2001.

As you may know, our public post-secondary institutions receive three-year budget forecasts that tell them what funding they will receive in the current year and what they can likely expect in the next two years, so they can plan for the future.

Last year, we told the College of New Caledonia to expect an operating grant of $25.7 million in 2008-09. In fact, we are providing them with $27.4 million – $1.7 million more than expected. The extra funding includes more money for trades training, health programs, spaces for Aboriginal students, salaries and pensions.

This added funding comes from a $68.5-million increase to the Ministry of Advanced Education’s budget. It has allowed us to boost operating funding for every one of B.C.’s 25 public post-secondary institutions, totalling $1.776 billion for 2008-09 – the highest level ever.

We are doing this at a time when B.C.’s economy is providing tremendous employment opportunities, which is slowing enrolment at post-secondary institutions. So we are also asking institutions to strive for greater efficiency and collaboration as they respond to labour market, student and community needs.

Since 2001, the Ministry of Advanced Education’s budget has increased by a larger percentage than any other ministry. With this funding, we have made record investments in new student spaces, and new and improved campuses in all areas of our province – helping to prepare British Columbians, and our entire province, for a prosperous future.

Murray Coell

Minister of Advanced Education

250 952-6400

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