News release

Government to Consult on Future of University System

Labour and Advanced Education (Jan. 2011 - Aug. 2021)

Nova Scotians can help shape the future of the province's university system.

Over the next several weeks, government will talk to Nova Scotians about how the province's universities can work more closely with the private sector to grow the economy, and help more young people to live and raise families in Nova Scotia.

"The value of our universities is clear, but they also face challenges," said Labour and Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan. "I look forward to hearing from Nova Scotians on ways to support a sustainable university system that helps businesses grow, export, and create jobs, and prepares young people to fill and create jobs themselves."

The consultation will involve students, parents, businesses, the international community and university faculty, staff and presidents.

Consultation will also focus on how to ensure the university system can be sustainable. Nova Scotia taxpayers invest almost half-a-billion dollars in post-secondary education each year. Unless changes are made, universities say, over the next few years, they will need $50 million more in funding. The consultation will also look at how to make university more affordable for students.

The feedback will help develop a vision paper outlining the strategic, long-term direction for Nova Scotia's universities and the next memorandum of understanding with universities.

"As the oneNS Commission has said, our post-secondary institutions can model and be a catalyst for the kind of economic, social and cultural change needed in Nova Scotia," said Ms. Regan. "This is an example of how universities, students, business and government can take collaborative action toward the goals of the oneNS Commission and work together to build a stronger economy and create opportunities for our youth."