A new piece of legislation and amendments to several existing ones were introduced on February 19 that will strengthen post-secondary institution financial accountability, sustainability and alignment with government priorities.
"Our post-secondary institutions are essential partners, ones that we want to see succeed. This legislation will further align the post-secondary sector with the Province's priorities," said Brendan Maguire, Minister of Advanced Education. "By improving accountability and continuing to work together, we will help ensure financial sustainability so post-secondary institutions can continue to offer students the high-quality education they deserve."
An Act Respecting Advanced Education and Research is a bill that addresses five pieces of legislation and:
- amends the Community Colleges Act to increase accountability and improve Nova Scotia Community College's ability to create new training programs by providing degree granting authority; that will help address labour shortages while allowing students to access a post-secondary education in their local communities and save money by living at home
- amends the Private Career Colleges Act to update language and clarify education environments that are subject to the Act, ensuring students are provided the protections intended by the legislation
- amends the Research Nova Scotia Corporation Act to increase financial accountability and ensure alignment with government priorities
- amends the University Accountability and Sustainability Act to help ensure the sustainability of universities and improve accountability within the post-secondary sector; it also gives the Minister authority to require a university to enter into a revitalization process
- establishes the University Board Governance Act to create consistency across universities and to improve the transparency and accountability of boards of governors at Nova Scotia universities.
Quotes:
"NSCC welcomes the opportunity to continue to focus on key provincial priorities. By building on our strong track record of working with industry partners and educating learners, we are able to equip students with the skills and innovative spirit to support our growing economy. Adding degrees to NSCC's range of credentials will allow us to increase the options within our programming, opening doors to more students and enabling them to support critical in-demand careers right here, at home."
Don Bureaux, President, Nova Scotia Community College
"To have new study options to choose from in communities across our province - especially in areas where the market needs more grads - is a positive for everyone looking to access a post-secondary education."
Mia Fournier White, President, NSCC Lunenburg Campus Student Association
Quick Facts:
- NSCC receives more than $165 million in funding from the Province annually
- Nova Scotia's 10 universities receive significant public funding - more than $380 million in operating grant funding annually; more than $43 million in annual funding targeted to specific programming; and about $28 million annually to offset university tuition costs for Nova Scotian students
- Research Nova Scotia receives about $6.4 million from the Province annually
