October 23, 2009
On Friday, the federal and Quebec governments announced $142.6 million from the Knowledge Infrastructure Program for 88 capital projects at post-secondary institutions across the province. Ottawa is contributing $60.6 million, while Quebec and other partners are providing $82 million for these projects. Friday's announcement marks the second round of KIP funding pledged to Quebec institutions. In June, the federal and provincial governments announced over
$993 million in joint infrastructure funding for more than 200 projects.
Office of the PM News ReleaseLast Thursday, Winnipeg-based Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface formally launched its $15-million "VISION" fundraising campaign in support of a $13-million health sciences building, student financial aid, and research and equipment. The campaign kick-off featured an $800,000 donation from campaign chair and CUSB alumnus Marcel A. Desautels. $11.2 million has been raised so far. The Manitoba government has pledged to provide $2 for every dollar raised by CUSB within the framework of the school's campaign. Manitoba News Release | Winnipeg Free Press | CUSB VISION Campaign
After a $6.4-million recurring grant from the BC government trimmed what would otherwise have been an almost $16-million budget deficit for the 2010-11 fiscal year, Simon Fraser University is still anticipating a $9-million shortfall next year. With no new funding, downturn-induced investment revenue losses, a 5% non-salary inflation rate, and a continuing 2% mandatory tuition cap, the shortfall is projected to rise to $20 million in 2011-12, and $32 million in 2012-13. In order to balance next year's budget, SFU adminisitration is considering increased cuts to expenses across all vice-presidential portfolios, while larger cuts will mostly be to non-teaching and non-research services in both academic and non-academic units.
SFU NewsSpeaking at a Rotary Club luncheon in Belleville Ontario Friday, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty stated there is no guarantee college and university tuition will be frozen as the province tries to deal with a burgeoning deficit in the next few months. McGuinty said Ontario is proud of its PSE tuition rates, and that students should be pleased the province has the lowest recorded rate of student-loan defaults. While he could not guarantee another freeze on rising tuition fees, the premier said it would be controlled in a reasonable matter.
Online Pioneer Plus The University of Regina reports a 1.9% increase in overall enrolment from last fall. This growth follows
slight decreases during the last few years. Undergraduate enrolment has risen by 2.1%, while graduate enrolment has gone up 0.7%. A uRegina official says these figures are a tangible result of the Strategic Enrolment Management plan the university recently developed.
uRegina News ReleaseOn October 13, Collège Boréal officially opened its new
campus in Timmins Ontario. The $18-million, 66,000-square-foot campus has allowed the college population to grow from 360 students to 570, and for the number of programs to expand from 16 to 27. At the campus inauguration, Boréal officials announced that the college exceeded the $1-million goal of its fundraising campaign for the campus by 50%, with a total of $1,502,644 raised.
Timmins Daily Press Earlier this month, the Atlantic Veterinary College, based at the University of Prince Edward Island, celebrated the re-opening of its expanded and renovated Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The $3.2-million project resulted in approximately 10,000 square feet being renovated and added to the hospital. Upgrades include additional surgery rooms; an expanded anesthesia, induction, and recovery area; and an Intensive Care Unit and isolation ward.
UPEI NewsA Yellowknife MLA is suggesting converting a French-immersion elementary school into a new Yellowknife campus for Aurora College, a proposal which Yellowknife Education District officials say was not preceded by any government talks with the school board. The district's chairman says the school is running at two-thirds capacity, and enrolment continues to rise. Given the unique program at the school, the chairman says it won't be simple to transfer students to other schools. The MLA says Aurora College needs more space, and its current lease at Northern United Place expires in 2012.
CBCThe City of Fredericton's planning advisory committee has approved the subdivision of University of New Brunswick land to create a building lot for the new
New Brunswick Community College campus. Set to open by fall 2011, the $15-million, 49,000-square-foot building will accommodate 400 students. A citizen member of the committee suggests UNB and the city start talking about the shortage of parking on campus. Although UNB is trying to preserve green space, one city official says, construction on campus has made the school recognize the need to address parking concerns.
Daily Gleaner After 7 months and 3 ballots, Mount Allison University students still do not have a student council president for this school year. The problems began in April after the president-elect stepped down before taking office. Results from a September election were thrown out due to ballot problems and appeals, while a run-off vote this month failed to produce a winner as neither of the 2 remaining candidates got the required 50% plus one needed to win. Student council members hope a new president will be elected by the end of November.
CBC
