Resolution Reached on Dalhousie Medical School Funding

The province is moving to improve accountability and transparency about Dalhousie Medical School funding, while protecting the number of physician training seats.

An agreement was reached after Dalhousie Medical School raised concerns about a $2.5-million reduction in the 2010-11 budget. Dalhousie University will receive $1.4 million, which reflects the amount originally budgeted for post-graduate medical seats. The remaining $1.1 million will be subject to a joint review involving the medical school and the departments of Education and Health.

Education Minister Marilyn More said the province is committed to ensuring that future funding for the school is transparent, accountable and sustainable.

"We all want to see Dalhousie Medical School continue to be a strong, viable institution. I believe this joint review will provide us with recommendations and advice we need to ensure the medical school is funded appropriately into the future," said Ms. More.

The joint committee will examine all sources of funding, as well as the appropriate amount to cover the cost of a medical seat. The committee's work will be supported by an external auditor, with a report expected this summer.

"Protecting medical seats is the right decision to support our commitment to make health care better for families," said Health Minister Maureen MacDonald. "At the same time, funding arrangements and accountability must be clear to everyone, as the province works to ensure that we live within our means."

"We welcome the government's commitment to look at adequately funding the medical school." said Dr. Tom Marrie, Dalhousie's Dean of Medicine. "This is critical for the future of doctor training in Nova Scotia and also to protect the millions of dollars the medical school pumps into the local economy through medical research."

In 2010-11, government supported 368 physician training seats at Dalhousie Medical School.