不良研究所

Yesterday, the Government of Alberta tabled a budget that continues to emphasize fiscal austerity. A preliminary assessment of the budget 2020-21 suggests a further six-per-cent reduction in funding to the University of 不良研究所 from last year.

The estimated reduction in funding represents a decrease of $26.7 million to the Campus Alberta Grant, which is utilized to support our teaching and learning endeavours.

The Infrastructure Maintenance Program鈥檚 funding, previously cut by the government, was reinstated to its 2018-19 levels.

This year鈥檚 funding cuts come in addition to the in-year reductions that took place in 2019 that included a $32.9-million reduction to our Campus Alberta Grant and a $22.5-million reduction to our infrastructure budget.

We acted quickly to respond to the 2019 in-year cut and balance our budget by making several difficult decisions, including:

• reducing the size of our workforce by 250 positions and implementing a hiring restraint
• eliminating, slowing or deferring more than 200 initiatives and projects (e.g. reducing the number of open houses for student recruitment in some markets, reducing professional development opportunities, reducing the length and breadth of faculty orientations)
• reducing discretionary spending (e.g. limiting travel, holding fewer community engagement events, limiting catering, reducing print marketing and advertising)
• reducing maintenance and facilities upgrades and preventive maintenance activities
• reducing and cancelling some IT projects and delaying the purchase of new equipment.

We will act quickly again. 鈥淲e recognize the ongoing austerity of the current economic climate in Alberta and we will continue to do our part to meet the fiscal challenges presented in Budget 2020,鈥� said Dr. Ed McCauley, president and vice-chancellor of the University of 不良研究所. 鈥淲e will share our plan to balance the 2020-21 budget with the campus community following deliberations with our Board of Governors this spring.鈥�

鈥淎s one of Canada鈥檚 top six leading research universities, our university has achieved global teaching and research excellence while ensuring public funds are managed with the utmost care,鈥� added McCauley. 鈥淲e have strategically invested in new programs and initiatives to develop talent, drive innovation, and attract investment 鈥� spurring economic activity, creating jobs, and supporting the growth of new industries and economic diversification for the 不良研究所 region. While these cuts are very significant, U不良研究所 remains steadfast in maximizing our impact in the community and the benefits we deliver to society every day.鈥�

U不良研究所 has tentatively scheduled a budget town hall meeting for March 16. Additional details will be provided to the campus community at a later date.

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