Budget 2014 receives a warm reception from post secondary officials in Lethbridge

LETHBRIDGE – The provincial government’s 2014 budget was unveiled on a positive note Thursday, reporting the province’s first surplus in six years.

Among the highlights was a renewed funding increased to post secondary education which is news that couldn’t come soon enough for officials at both Lethbridge College and University of Lethbridge.

President of Lethbridge College, Dr. Paula Burns tells Global News last year’s near seven per cent cuts to post secondary education strongly impacted the institution.

“I think what they are doing is acknowledging that last year was really tough,” she says.

Dr. Burns adds, “Last year really did impact us and caused us to take a look inside and say ok what is really essential?”

The 2014 budget will see advanced education and innovation receive $2.8 billion which is an increase of 5.5 per cent.

The government is also restoring the access to the future fund which matches donations.

President of the UofL, Dr. Mike Mahon says while he’s happy with the increase, it doesn’t go as far as needed.

“It’s a budget that will help us in essence stay stable and provide some new funding for programs which we’re very excited about and also reintroduce a few key things as well, so overall I’m positive,” he adds.

Officials say while they hope to see increased funding in the future, the 2014 budget is a step in the right direction.

“Certainly we haven’t been restored to those pre-last year numbers but there does seem to be a commitment to post secondary and it is part of the Building Alberta Plan,” Burns says.