UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG STUDENTS AND FACULTY CONDEMN PROVINCE’S PROPOSED CUTS TO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION
For Immediate Release
UNIVERSITY OF WINNIPEG STUDENTS AND FACULTY CONDEMN PROVINCE’S PROPOSED CUTS TO POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION.
WINNIPEG [Treaty 1 Territory] April 27, 2020 – The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA) and the University of Winnipeg Faculty Association (UWFA) stand firmly against proposed budget cuts to post-secondary education.
Last week, the Provincial Government asked Manitoban Universities, including University of Winnipeg, to prepare for budget cuts of up to 30 per cent to help the Province financially recover from Coronavirus pandemic. A plan was prepared and submitted to the government on Tuesday that is due for approval.
UWSA’s Vice-President External Affairs, Mahlet Cuff says that the cuts will create additional uncertainty for student during a pandemic, especially since the demand for courses have increased over the Spring/Summer term.
“In times like this, students should not have to worry about cuts,” Cuff says. “This time is to be spent with loved ones and community. Students are facing unprecedented anxiety and uncertainty and need to be prioritized.”
A reduction in post-secondary funding will also potentially lead to an increase in tuition and a reduction in essential services and resources that students need. According to the UWFA, cuts to post-secondary education as we enter a recession run contrary to research and advice from financial and political experts.
“During an economic downturn, people come to universities and colleges to reinforce their existing skills and re-train to find or create new jobs and possibilities; we need to make sure Manitobans have the requisite skillsets that all business owners, not-for-profits, and governmental organizations are going to need to remain viable and competitive,” says Professor Jacqueline Romanow, President of UWFA.
UWinnipeg, and other universities, play a major role in economic recovery. The UWSA and UWFA call on the province to invest, not cut, post-secondary education, to ensure that Manitoba leads the way in Canada’s economic rebound post COVID-19.
About UWSA
Established in 1972, the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association (UWSA) democratically unites the students of the University of Winnipeg in order to advance student interests. As well as promoting communication within the University, the UWSA advocates on behalf of students to administrative bodies.
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For further information, contact:
Shreya Jhunjhunwala
Communications Manager
The University of Winnipeg Students’ Association
0R30 – 515 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3B 2E9
Treaty One Territory
(204) 962-7023 | s.jhunjhunwala@theuwsa.ca
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