Alberta's expert panel on post-secondary institution funding has delivered a final report with 11 recommendations to modernize and strengthen the post-secondary system.
In August 2025, the panel provided its final report with 11 recommendations to the Minister of Advanced Education. The recommendations cover a potential new funding framework, tuition and student aid, international students, governance, institutional autonomy, reducing red tape and institutional neutrality.
Alberta's publicly funded post-secondary education system is critical to the province's economic future, as is ensuring Alberta has one of the most highly skilled and well-educated populations in the world. In December 2024, a panel chaired by renowned economist Dr. Jack Mintz was appointed to review and evaluate provincial funding for public post-secondary institutions and independent academic institutions.
"We sincerely thank the panel for their excellent, thorough, and thoughtful work over the past nine months. We greatly appreciate their willingness to share their time and expertise addressing the crucial issue of the sustainability of our post-secondary education system. Their recommendations will assist us as we discuss ways to ensure the sustainability of Alberta's post-secondary education system."
Myles McDougall, Minister of Advanced Education
The panel examined post-secondary institution funding mechanisms, federal immigration policy impacts on Alberta's post-secondary institutions, costs of administrative and regulatory burdens, and the overall competitiveness of Alberta's post-secondary system. Panel members included Charlene Butler, Dr. Ray Block, Joan Hertz and Peter MacKinnon.
"Alberta post-secondary institutions need a funding framework that is transparent, flexible and supportive of enrolment growth. Students need to know that tuition fees won't rise abruptly during their multi-year programs. Governments want institutions to have more flexibility to improve the quality of student experience while being incented to improve their performance. This report provides a new funding framework that can accommodate these goals to ensure that post-secondary institutions contribute to Alberta's success and prosperity."
Dr. Jack Mintz, chair, Expert Panel on Post-Secondary Institution Funding and Alberta's Competitiveness
Alberta Advanced Education will be thoroughly reviewing the report while engaging with the province's post-secondary institutions to discuss the recommendations as well as next steps.
"Alberta's colleges, polytechnics and universities are responsible for training our province's workers, innovators and entrepreneurs. The Alberta Post-Secondary Network applauds the Government of Alberta's ongoing commitment to an accessible and high-quality education system. We look forward to the review of the panel's findings so that we can ensure sustainability of the system and position Alberta for continued success."
Dr. Melanie Humphreys, chair, the Alberta Post-Secondary Network, and president, The King's University
"In an increasingly competitive global economy, Alberta's prosperity depends on having a highly skilled, well-educated workforce. NAIT would like to commend Dr. Mintz and his fellow panellists for their leadership on this timely issue. We look forward to working with the Government of Alberta on the implementation of the panel's thoughtful recommendations."
Laura Jo Gunter, president and CEO, NAIT
"We appreciate the Government of Alberta undertaking this review of Alberta's post-secondary system, ensuring our institutions can compete on a global scale and continue to deliver the high-quality education Albertans and Alberta employers rely on. We look forward to the report's findings and to working with the Government of Alberta on the significant changes needed to strengthen and sustain Alberta's post-secondary system."
Bill Flanagan, president and vice-chancellor, University of Alberta
Quick facts
- The panel engaged with representatives from 26 post-secondary institutions, faculty associations, student associations and industry organizations as part of their review.
- The panel reviewed research, data and analysis government, post-secondary partners and an external consultant.
- The external consultant supported the collection of information from provinces and territories as well as international jurisdictions through targeted research and engagement.
Related information
Related news
- Ensuring the success of Alberta post-secondaries (Dec. 17, 2024)
- Ensuring excellence at Alberta post-secondaries (Nov. 7, 2024)
