McGill applauds Quebec announcement on funding
Updated August 08, 2006
Investment in higher education an urgent need
Heather Munroe-Blum, McGill University Principal and Vice-Chancellor, has welcomed Premier Jean Charest's pledge to address the critical underfunding of post-secondary education and is pleased that the Quebec government has taken a first step by moving forward with its promise to invest $240 million over the next three years.
"This is a small step, but a welcome gesture, and we are pleased that the Quebec government has recognized that urgent action is essential," Munroe-Blum said. "While this investment falls short of what is needed, it is a welcome signal."
Munroe-Blum said she is committed to working with the Quebec government, other Quebec universities and all other partners to identify meaningful and sustained policies to support post-secondary education and to reinforce Quebec's traditional leadership role in teaching and research. A joint study by the Ministry of Education and CREPUQ in 2002-03 indicated that Quebec universities are underfunded compared with the Canadian average by an estimated $375 million each year.
"With the competition we face from other jurisdictions and with our rising deficits, it is important that action is taken urgently," said Munroe-Blum. "The highest quality education is essential to the future of all Quebecers and a strong university network is at the core of Quebec's success in the global knowledge society.
"Nothing could be more important than investing in our students and in the future of Quebec through enhanced participation and quality of higher education, the cornerstone of a progressive, successful society. McGill is committed to success for our students, and the rest of our community and Quebec society, and will be best able to achieve this when all partners act forcefully and with vision," she said.
