HANSARD A Report from the Government Relations Office April 2009 Provincial Budget Issue MB Tuition Freeze Lifted The MB Government will allow a 4.5% increase in university tuition fees in 2009-10 (including ancillary fees). This was in response to the final report of the MB Commission on Tuition Fees and Accessibility to PSE, which recommends an increase in tuition fees of $150 for each of the next 3 years. Also recommended is the setting of provincial targets for PSE participation and graduation, with equal participation from all socioeconomic groups. MB Budget Allocates $532M for PSE The 2009 MB Budget promises to increase base operating grants and strategic program investments, totalling a 6% increase for MB PSE institutions. The Budget also increases funding for the MB Bursary Fund, and doubles funding for the Bright Futures Fund and scholarships available to Aboriginal medical students. Increased funding is also allocated to MRIF. A detailed summary of Budget 2009 initiatives is available here. New Stadium to be Built at UM A new 30,000-seat stadium for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the UM Bisons will be built at the UM with a projected completion date in time for the 2011 CFL season. The MB and federal governments will be contributing a total of $20M to support amateur athletic facilities at the UM. L to R David Asper, David Barnard;Photo: Dale Barbour $26M in Funding Announced by CFI CFI announced $26M in funding for 117 research projects by 148 researchers at 29 institutions across the country under CFI's Leaders Opportunity Fund. The UM received at total of $494,330 for 2 projects. The UW received $140,407 for 1 project. New MLAs Elected On March 24, 2009, Bill Blaikie was elected as the new MLA for Elmwood to replace Jim Maloway who stepped down to run successfully in the federal election as MP (Elmwood–Transcona). Also elected in a by-election this day was Frank Whitehead as elected as the new MLA for The Pas constituency in a by- election to replace Oscar Lathlin who passed away last fall. New City Councillor Elected On March 17, 2009, John Orlikow was elected as the City Councillor for the River Heights / Fort Garry Ward in a by- election to replace Brenda Leipsic who passed away last fall. Enrolment Rates and Graduate Rates Increase in 2006-07 In 2006-07, incoming students increased by 0.9%, the second smallest growth rate since 2000, with 18- to 21-year-olds accounting for 90% of the increase. In Manitoba, enrolment increased by 1.3% (full report). That same year, approximately 226,000 students received a qualification from a Canadian university, up nearly 5% from 2005 (full report). Call for Increased Research Funding In a letter, the CAUT called on Prime Minister Harper to increase research funding for Canada’s three granting councils by $500M to $1B. Assurances were also sought to ensure that programs and scholarships funded by the granting agencies not be restricted to specific fields and be judged on the basis of merit by the scientific community. Finally, CAUT asked that infrastructure projects be similarly judged. Global Recession Will Impact PSE Due to the current economic state, Canada’s PSE system is facing several challenges over the next few years, such as decreasing revenues, increasing costs, and increasing enrolments in college and masters programs. An EPI report discusses how institutions will have to implement further hiring freezes, cut back on scholarships, increase tuition by up to 25% and continue to defer maintenance. EPI also discusses the role of governments in helping with this crisis. US President Urges Pursuit of PSE In an address to Congress, President Obama has urged all citizens to "commit to at least one year or more of higher education or career training" to help the USA reclaim its title by 2020 of having the world’s highest proportion of college graduates by 2020. President Obama noted that while the government will do its part, responsibility to achieve this goal lies with students. Conservative PSE Caucus Established A PSE caucus was established for Conservative MPs whose ridings include a post-secondary institution. 20 MPs attended the first monthly meeting. The caucus plans to meet with university administrators and student groups, Photo: University Affairs, March 9/09 monitor how the government is meeting the needs of the PSE sector, and provide advice to ministers responsible for PSE issues. Breakfast & Brainstorms The GRO arranged 2 recent sessions of the Breakfast & Brainstorms Speaker Series at the Manitoba Legislature. On January 29, 2009, Dr. Goldsborough spoke about Manitoba's Wetlands and Water in the 21st Century. On March 12, 2009, Dr. Hryshko spoke about How to Plan Your First Heart Attack. Both sessions were well attended. Leadership Event Series On March 6, 2009, Dr. Blatz was a co- speaker at the latest session of the City of Winnipeg's Leadership Event Series. The topic of the session was Riverbank Engineering Research for The City of Winnipeg. The speakers provided an overview of City practices and policies and highlighted riverbank engineering initiatives between the City, the UM and industry. Calendar of Events For more information, contact the Government Relations Office. Tel. (204) 474-7881 or visit http://www.umanitoba.ca/government_relations. .