Alberta's publicly funded post-secondary education system prepares students to meet growing demands for a skilled and well-educated workforce. By leading in research, generating significant revenue and enabling Alberta to compete globally for talent and investment in innovation, post-secondary institutions are an integral part of Alberta's continued prosperity.
To maintain and build upon this reputation for excellence in post-secondary education, Alberta's government announced on Nov. 7 a comprehensive review of the province's post-secondary education system. Led by economist Dr. Jack Mintz, a panel of experts with diverse professional backgrounds will assess key aspects of the system and ensure it remains competitive and aligned with current and future needs.
In addition to Dr. Mintz, Advanced Education Minister Rajan Sawhney has appointed four other members to the expert panel tasked with reviewing and evaluate post-secondary education in Alberta. The members of the panel will be Dr. Jack Mintz (Chair), Charlene Butler, Dr. Ray Block, Joan Hertz, and Peter MacKinnon.
"When we consider the current challenges facing Alberta's post-secondary learning system, such as population growth and changes to federal policies, it's clear that we can benefit from a long-term vision on funding and competitiveness. The members of the post-secondary funding review panel have an impressive depth of experience in the post-secondary space and are well-equipped to assess and explore ways of ensuring and sustaining Alberta's post-secondary excellence."
Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education
The panel members each have extensive experience in high-level executive and administrative roles at many of Alberta's post-secondary institutions, in addition to membership on public boards, advisory councils and community organizations. They also bring diverse perspectives through backgrounds in economics, law, commerce, agriculture, health care, the sciences, and the arts, enabling a comprehensive and holistic review of Alberta's post-secondary landscape.
The panel's mandate includes exploring funding models for higher education across Canada and around the world, assessing the impacts of federal immigration policies on Alberta's post-secondary institutions, and examining the administrative and regulatory burden of the system.
"Post-secondary institutions are critical to Alberta. They train young people with valuable skills and conduct vital research that benefits society and the economy. We must ensure excellence in our post-secondary system, and the expert panel will be looking at ways to make sure that taxpayer dollars are well spent well towards outcomes. We are forward to hearing from Albertans on what they would like to see achieved by a vibrant post-secondary education sector."
Jack Mintz, president's fellow, University of Calgary's School of Public Policy
The panel's work will include engagement with public post-secondary institutions and independent academic institutions, commencing in early 2025. A comprehensive report summarizing the findings of the review is anticipated later in 2025.
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