Oct. 25, 2019 – Statement from Dr. Paula Burns regarding Alberta Budget 2019:
“With the release of Thursday’s provincial budget, we now have a clearer picture of the financial framework we will work in for the year ahead. We understand that the provincial government is committed to balancing the budget by 2023 and we anticipated that changes would come with that, including a focus on fiscal restraint.
In-year cuts are always challenging, as our budgets are set years in advance, so there will be challenges and tough discussions ahead as we determine how to bring our current-year spending in line with the budget provided by the government. However, in the larger picture, we at Lethbridge College have already been focused on long-term sustainability as we have worked towards growing our enrolment and retention rates, meaning we are well positioned to continue as a leader in post-secondary education in our province that supports the needs of the economy both in our region and across the province.
We understand the concern that students have as the government removes the freeze on tuition. We will review the changes, and will work to ensure that post-secondary education remains affordable and accessible for all Albertans.
We will wait to receive specific details about Lethbridge College’s operating grant from the Ministry of Advanced Education in the coming days and will begin our internal budget planning process from there.”
-Dr. Paula Burns, Lethbridge College President and CEO