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Montreal, August 2, 2012 – In a document sent today to the leaders of Quebec’s main political parties, the Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities (CREPUQ) calls attention to the urgency of finding a solution to the problem of university under-funding so that the institutions may maintain the highest-quality teaching and research and produce the best-educated graduates possible to fill the positions of tomorrow.

CREPUQ notes that there is a broad consensus in Quebec with regard to the important role universities play in the future of Quebec, as well as widespread acknowledgement that they are not sufficiently funded. Under-funding has been a problem since 2002 and the shortfall has continued to grow, despite reinvestment by the Quebec government. The situation has been widely recognized by all concerned, including the Parliamentary Committee on Education in 2004, 2007 and 2011, and by student associations in 2010.

“In 2007-2008 alone, our universities had a total of $620 million less than the average Canadian university with which to hire teaching and support staff, ensure educational guidance and support services for students, and maintain library collections and laboratory equipment, among other pressing needs,” said Luce Samoisette, Chair of the CREPUQ Board of Directors and Rector of Université de Sherbrooke.

University management

CREPUQ reiterates that Quebec universities are stringently managed under a system of multiple controls. They are subject to numerous legal and regulatory standards, and accountability is taken very seriously. While there is always room for improvement, the notion that the funding shortfall could somehow be made up for by tighter management constitutes magical thinking.

Accessibility

It is a fundamental principle of Quebec universities that anyone with the necessary capabilities should have access to a university education, regardless of socio-economic background. In addition to the government’s student financial aid program, the universities, their foundations and other partners contribute measures worth approximately $500 million a year in scholarships, financial aid, internships, on-campus jobs and, in some universities, a guaranteed minimum income for graduate students.

The universities intend to monitor such participation closely to ensure access to a university education, and, if necessary, will propose additional financial assistance for students.

What will the university of tomorrow look like?

The tuition gap between Quebec and Ontario continues to widen. At the same time, compared to Ontario, there has been a slight decline in Quebec’s performance with regard to obtaining federal research grants. The financial situation of Quebec universities has been growing increasingly precarious for far too long, and there are increasing signs that their position continues to weaken.

“Quebec’s social and economic development is largely conditional on healthy universities, the quality of the education they provide, the dynamic research conducted there and the strength and relevance of the ties they forge with their local communities and with academic institutions worldwide. Adequate funding for our universities is more urgent than ever,” added Daniel Zizian, Director General of CREPUQ.

The document sent to political party leaders in Quebec may be viewed here: http://www.crepuq.qc.ca/spip.php?article1398.

CREPUQ includes all 19 Quebec universities. The organization acts as their voice in relations with government and milieus concerned with university education and research. It also fosters coordination and collaboration between universities, is a research centre for university administrations, acts as a centre for coordination and joint service delivery, and is a resource centre and think tank for its members.

Source :
Chantal Pouliot, Director of Communications
Conference of Rectors and Principals of Quebec Universities
514 288-8524, ext. 244
chantal.pouliot@crepuq.qc.ca