Hi all,
The team at HESA towers was up late last night putting together – as we do every year – a review of the Federal Government’s Budget measures, as they relate to higher education and training. Far from being the snooze-fest many had predicted, it turned out there was a whole bunch of crazy stuff in there, from vast but slightly hazy research funds, to largely inexplicable apprenticeship loan programs. You can read all of our budget coverage, HERE. Still not 100% sure what to make of it all, to be honest: but we’d love to hear your reactions.
Ciao,
Alex
Alex, thanks for this timely and insightful analysis.
In particular, you state,”The impact of today’s budget is somewhat difficult to assess. Certainly, it is a triumph for the post-secondary sector . . . but a fair bit of the money which people are celebrating is ephemeral. The Canada Apprentice Loan . . . $40 million for internships . . . [and] the prospect of a $1.5 billion CFREF, the reality is that not one dollar of this is secure, as there will be an election before any of these funds become concrete. The fact that funds will go to institutions rather than researchers raises the possibility [likelihood] of a political impasse . . . .”
What strategies would you suggest to make these essential funds available within our PSE sector?
Best, Virginia
Hello – just wondering if you have employment stats/rates for undergraduate and/or graduate students in Ontario or anywhere in Canada?