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Provincial Budget 2024 Consultations: Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services Report

September 30, 2023

Research funding, capital investment, and predictable funding — read our submission to the Committee and an analysis of their final recommendations regarding advanced education.

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Each year, the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services submits a report to the legislative assembly following its public provincial budget consultation.

This year, our Executive Director presented to the Committee virtually on June 14. We also submitted formal written recommendations which focus on research funding, capital investment, and predictable funding.

Our submission was reflected in several of the Committee’s final recommendations pertaining to advanced education:

  • Capital funding, Recommendation 1: Invest in research infrastructure at BC’s post-secondary institutions that is relevant to regional context and institutional expertise, such as the proposed centre for disaster-resilient infrastructure at UBC Okanagan.
  • Operational funding, Recommendation 3b: Complete the post-secondary education funding review and implement an updated funding model that ensures sufficient program funding to address labour needs.
  • Program funding, Recommendation 4: Increase funding for all regions across the province to expand programming and seats at all levels where needs are greatest given current or projected skill shortages, including in the trades.

Download the PDF to read our recommendations, a summary of other opinions provided in the consultation, and an analysis of the Committee’s final report.

You can also view our past reports on the 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020 provincial budget consultations.

“Investing in post-secondary education is a direct investment in the future prosperity of British Columbia... We ask this government to prioritize the long-term vision of a thriving and educated society.”

- Excerpt

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