LETHBRIDGE – At least one Alberta school has frozen hiring ahead of the province’s spring budget delivery, while here in Lethbridge both institutions are in a holding pattern.
A year ago, it was good news for colleges and universities, following announcement of an annual 2% increase in operating grants over three years. Next month, it appears the government will be looking to cut costs in every department.
“If you’re looking at budgetary restraints, the first thing to do is find internal efficiencies,” said Thomas Lukaszuk, the new Minister of Enterprise & Advanced Education on February 4.
Given the gloomy forecast, the University of Lethbridge is already planning for multiple funding scenarios.
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A difference of 1% in the school’s budget is over $1 million.
“If the cut is going to be significant, we’re going to have to sharpen our pencils,” said Nancy Walker, VP of finance at the U of L. “It could be much more dramatic than we’re hoping.”
The expectation from the University is at least a revert back to no funding increase.
Lethbridge College is much more tight-lipped on its plans, saying it’s something the institution is forced to address every year.
“we know what the budgets are and what we’re working with,” said Gwen Wirth, a College spokesperson. “We’ll see what the province unveils on March 7.”
Other schools in Alberta aren’t taking any chances. Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton has told staff a hiring freeze is effective immediately.
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“As an institution, we need to be prudent and look at the situation,” David Beharry told Global News on Saturday.
The U of L said it won’t go that far yet, but all hiring decisions are looked at closely.
“We always evaluate if we need to replace that position or replace it somewhere else,” said Walker. “This is a common practice at institutions.”
As for capital funding, LC said it isn’t concerned about losing provincial dollars set aside for its Trades & Technology Innovation and Renewal Project.
The $55-million pledge came last spring, and College officials said renovation and expansion of its trades facilities are still on track.
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