UCP’S CONTINUED BUDGET CUTS TO POST-SECONDARY MEAN MORE JOB LOSSES FOR ALBERTANS

EDMONTON – U of A president, Bill Flanagan, announced more job cuts are on the table as the University of Alberta continues to look for ways to fill a $127 million gap in its budget after losing millions of dollars in government funding.

The university already announced more than 1,000 jobs would be lost through layoffs, retirements and attrition as a result of a $110 million loss in funding over the UCP’s last two budgets.

“Cuts to funding mean job losses at the U of A, which result in a lower quality of education for students and hurt the reputation of the university.” said NDP Official Opposition Critic for Advanced Education, David Eggen. “Post-secondary is our most powerful tool to diversify the economy in Alberta, and the UCP’s decision to attack education hurts Albertans future and our economic recovery.”

“In the coming weeks we’re planning to release a report on post-secondary in Alberta as part of our economic plan.” Eggen said. “This report includes feedback from post-secondary students, teachers, administration and alumni on the role our institutions play in Alberta's economic recovery.”

The U of A still have not announced the amount of additional job losses due to the cuts in funding and administrative restructuring.