Proposed QC budget gets mixed reviews on education

Quebec presented its new budget on June 4, and responses from people in PSE have been mixed. The budget includes widespread cuts in most sectors, but does include $50 million for McGill University  to conduct feasibility studies on major projects, including its plans for the Royal Victoria Hospital site. The government also allocated $500,000 a year for the next 3 years to support university entrepreneurship centres. However, the 5-year National Research and Innovation Policy announced by the previous government will be reviewed. The Fonds de recherche du Québec will also receive less funding. Jonathan Bouchard, President of the Fédération étudiante universitaire du Québec (FEUQ), said, “we are now really wondering about this government’s priorities and what will happen with research and innovation.” However, McGill VP Communications Olivier Marcil noted that the budget gave universities a 6% increase, compared to just 1.8% in most other sectors. He said the budget shows that the government “understands the value of the higher education sector.” Montreal Gazette