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News Release

March 20, 2007

VP Calls Federal Budget 'Promising,' Looks to Province to Act

Promising. That’s how University of Guelph officials are describing the federal budget released Monday. It contained increases in provincial transfer payments to support higher education and more money for research-granting agencies and infrastructure.

“We are very pleased that post-secondary education was front and centre in the budget,” said Maureen Mancuso, provost and vice-president (academic).

“The federal government recognizes the important role that universities and research play for Canadians, and we are now looking to the provincial government to follow through on these investments.”

The provincial budget is set to be released Thursday. Based on the federal announcement, U of G is specifically looking for an increase in per-student spending, as Ontario currently ranks last among the country’s 10 provinces. “We would like to see the provincial funding increased to a level that at least brings us up to the national average,” Mancuso said.

She also wants to see the province match the national investments that are made to university research through federal granting councils like the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

In addition, U of G is looking for the provincial government to invest more money in infrastructure and deferred maintenance.

“Our expectations are reasonable and appropriate,” Mancuso said. “Support from the provincial government is crucial as Ontario universities continue to face challenges of ensuring quality and accessibility.”