News Release Archive
HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION--RECOMMENDATIONS PRESENTED ----------------------------------------------------------------- A series of far-reaching recommendations on the future role of the federal government in higher education have been presented to the senate sub-committee on post-secondary education by representatives of the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission (MPHEC). "The substantial cuts in cash transfers for education from the federal government are having a serious effect on universities and students in the Maritimes," said Dr. David Cameron, MPHEC interim chair. One result of the cuts has been an increase in average annual tuition from $1,700 to $2,700 between 1984 and 1995. Dr. Cameron said students, universities and the entire Maritime community are suffering as a result of the cuts. "Our students are being hurt by higher tuition costs and burdened with increased debt," he said. "In some cases, worthy young people are now unable to afford the cost of a university education." Universities, he said, are suffering in a number of ways. "They are having difficulty maintaining their current facilities, let alone responding to changing technologies and workplace demands. What's more, their ability to foster research, which creates new developments, technologies and business opportunities, is severely hampered by inadequate funding." In light of the federal government's stress on Canada's need to compete in the global information age and on regional self-sufficiency, Cameron said he finds the lack of support for universities "short-sighted and counter-productive." On behalf of the MPHEC, Dr. Cameron presented 17 recommendations to the senate sub-committee, in Halifax as part of its cross-country tour to examine the state of post-secondary education in Canada. Included in the recommendations were calls for stable, predictable federal funding for post-secondary education, assistance in the development of new technology infrastructure, measures to lighten students' financial burdens, and increased research support. The MPHEC also addressed other barriers students face in their access to education and training as provincial governments struggle to make do with less. Among the changes being taken or considered in some Canadian provinces, Dr. Cameron explained, are charging higher fees to out-of-province students and providing student aid only to students who study in their home province. The MPHEC has recommended the federal government withdraw funding resources from provinces taking these actions. In presenting the MPHEC recommendations, Dr. Cameron said they represent the views of a broad cross-section of Maritimers. The MPHEC was formed in 1973 with members from the three Maritime provinces, including representatives of the provincial governments, universities, students and the general public. "For nearly 25 years, we have been helping the whole Maritime region make the very best use of all our university resources," he said. -30- Contact: Dr. David Cameron 902-494-6626 trp Feb. 19, 1997 - 10 a.m.