Critics say post-secondary students to ‘bear the brunt’
Post-secondary institutions in Alberta will be receiving $147-million less in base operating grants than in the last fiscal year as part of the 2013 Alberta budget. Facing a projected multi-billion dollar deficit, the provincial government announced significant cuts to many sectors, including education.
Finance Minister Doug Horner called the budget a “watershed moment” with no new taxes or increases in operational spending.
Opposition parties were quick to react.
“Our post-secondary students will bear the brunt of major cuts to Advanced Education,” Brian Mason, leader for the New Democrat Party, said in a press release.
Alberta budget at a glance
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“This is the broken promises budget,” Mason continued, adding “There are [many cuts to] services that vulnerable Albertans depend upon along with serious cuts to our schools, colleges and universities.”
Wildrose leader Danielle Smith called the budget “the back in debt budget” in a press release. “It will take a new generation to pay off the $17 billion in new debt,” Smith said.
Surrounded by reporters at the legislature, the finance minister conceded, “We are having a tough time, here.”
For more information about the budget, visit the Government of Alberta website.
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