Keeping tuition affordable and accessible is a priority for this government. That’s why I support this government in amending the Post-Secondary Learning Act to regulate tuition and fees for post-secondary students.
Our government froze tuition fees in 2015, and the tuition freeze will be extended for a fifth consecutive year, saving post-secondary students thousands of dollars. Alberta’s tuition rates are now lower than the national average.
The changes we implement will now cap each institution’s average tuition and fee increases to the Consumer Price Index, ensuring tuition remains stable relative to our economy as a whole. The changes will also provide increased predictability for international students and empowers students to have more say over exceptional tuition and fee increases.
Included in these changes are also important new designations: the Alberta College of Art and Design will transition to a university, and colleges such as Red Deer College and Grande Prairie Regional College will transition to a university status. The voice of students will continue to be a priority: we’ll ensure that there are at least two student representatives on the boards of each public post-secondary institution.
The proposed changes are the result of consultations with students, faculty and staff, and took into account over 4,000 online responses and a number of focus groups. The changes should come into effect in February 2019.
Questions, comments, or concerns? Feel free to email my office at [email protected] or call at 403-216-5430.
