The Provincial Priorities Act, which was recently tabled, requires provincial approval for direct agreements between the federal government and certain provincial entities, including post-secondary institutions in Alberta. This legislation goes beyond a similar law in Quebec by also including colleges and universities in the approval process. Many universities in Alberta rely on federal research funding from agencies such as CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC, which could be impacted by this new legislation. Premier Danielle Smith has expressed concerns about federal government funding being used to dictate research projects based on ideology, but the Advanced Education Minister Rajan Sawhney reassures that academic freedom will not be impeded by the new bill.
The universities in Calgary, Edmonton, and Lethbridge are working with the Government of Alberta to understand the potential effects of the legislation on their funding. The University of Calgary received $190 million in research funding from the federal government last year, making up 35% of their total research revenue. The funding generated economic activity, created jobs, and provided access to world-class facilities and services for the community. The University of Alberta in Edmonton also relies heavily on federal research funding, with more than one-third of its funding coming from federal agencies totaling over $223 million. Federal dollars support various programs and projects that make a tangible difference in the lives of people in Alberta through medical treatments and technology development.
The University of Lethbridge also depends on federal funding to support research and scholarly activities, providing training opportunities for students and ensuring researchers have the necessary facilities and equipment. The funding from federal agencies helps to ensure the social and economic health of the communities served by the university. Despite concerns raised by Premier Smith about ideological influences on research funding, political scientist Duane Bratt refutes this claim, highlighting the comprehensive application process involved in securing research dollars. Bratt emphasizes that federal research funding is not driven by ideology but rather by a rigorous assessment of project proposals.
The University of Calgary Students’ Union has raised concerns about the new legislation and its potential impact on students who are already facing challenges such as rising tuition and housing costs. The president of the union, Shaziah Jinnah Morsette, expresses worries about the uncertainty created by the bill and the additional difficulties it may pose for students. The government of Alberta has faced criticism for its cuts to contributions to post-secondary institutions and students, adding further apprehension about their control over other sources of revenue and support. The province has stated that consultations with affected parties will take place over the summer with the aim of enacting the legislation early next year. Despite the concerns raised by various stakeholders, the government is moving forward with the bill as part of its efforts to align federal funding with provincial priorities.
