Statement – 2015/16 Government of Alberta Budget
University of Lethbridge
October 27, 2015
Earlier today, the Government of Alberta released its 2015/16 budget. The University of Lethbridge has strongly advocated for stable and predictable funding for our university and the post-secondary sector as a whole. We are pleased that the Alberta Government understands that universities play an important role in supporting and diversifying the economy and we are pleased that the previously announced increase to our Campus Alberta grant in the July 2015 interim supply budget will remain, with projected increases in the Campus Alberta grant in the next two years.
Regarding capital investment, the U of L commends the government for increased expenditures in building capital during the current economic downturn. The Destination Project, a new science and academic facility to be constructed on the University's Lethbridge campus, will create jobs during its construction but also through activities undertaken and partnerships forged in the building. This project will be transformational for the institution and for communities across southern Alberta. In addition to significantly enhancing the University’s science teaching and research activities, the project will also engage the community through high school experiences, science outreach for K-12 and beyond, and create a connection point for industry, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government and community groups.
We are very pleased the government has recognized the Destination Project as a critical piece of infrastructure for our community’s continued economic success and has included its construction in its capital plan. This project is “shovel-ready” and we will continue to work with the government to ensure the funding schedule matches the project’s construction schedule.
We look forward to better understanding the specific details of the budget in the days and weeks ahead.
Dr. Mike Mahon, President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Lethbridge
Contact:
Richard Westlund
Director of Public Affairs
richard.westlund@uleth.ca
403-393-2216