In the wake of provincial cost-cutting measures, Public Interest Alberta has announced a new campaign aimed at putting more money back into Alberta’s post-secondary institutions.
Called “Post-Secondary Education is the Answer,” the new campaign is a partnership with a large network of students, faculty and staff at Alberta’s post-secondary institutions.
The groups says there is already strong public opposition to the idea of post-secondary funding cuts across the political spectrum.
According to Environics Research Group, a poll conducted this month shows 67 per cent of Albertans want greater investment in post-secondary education regardless of the province’s current budget challenges, and only 30 per cent would support cuts.
“Clearly, Albertans understand that investing in post-secondary education helps build stronger, safer, more vibrant communities and a more diversified and stronger economy,” said Bill Moore-Kilgannon, the executive director of Public Interest Alberta, in a statement.
“Given the poll shows strong support for PSE in all political parties, it is clear that Jim Prentice is not hearing the message that further deep cuts to PSE institutions are the wrong path to take.”
The campaign plans to enlist high-profile public figures from across the political spectrum to speak out publicly in order to show the province would be better off with more investment in post-secondary education.
Public Interest Alberta plans to hold further public meetings about the issue across the province in the coming weeks. The meetings will look at the importance of investment in post-secondary education, and also provide tools Albertans can use to express their support for increased funding.
Meetings will be held at 11:15 a.m. at the following locations:
March 4th: Calgary – U of C, Blue Room, Dining Centre
March 5th: Lethbridge – University of Lethbridge, Markim Hall
March 6th: Medicine Hat – Medicine Hat College, Crowfoot Room
March 9th: Red Deer – Red Deer College, Room 2901A
