March 24, 2016

Medicine Hat College (MHC) congratulates the Minister of Finance on his first budget and welcomes the government’s clear recognition of the vital role that post-secondary institutions will play in revitalizing Canada’s economy. 

MHC is especially pleased to see the government respond to the colleges and institutes call for additional infrastructure funding with the new Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Funds, which commits $2 billion over the next three years. Coupled with the $9 billion Building Canada Fund, this will help drive a much needed renewal in infrastructure, 60% of which currently exceeds its 40-year life cycle.

“These funds will be put to good use by colleges such as ours many who have identified over 1,000 projects across the country totalling $7.6 billion,” says President Denise Henning. “We’re hopeful that a portion of these funds will come to Medicine Hat to support Generations the most ambitious infrastructure project the college has embarked upon.” 

Henning says the Generations project represents a strategic investment in the college’s ability to meet the needs of students, while dramatically increasing community engagement. She’s confident that the social value presented is worthy of federal investment.

The region would also see positive economic impact. The projected capital costs of $57.3 million would contribute to a one‐time increase in national GDP of $97 million. Broader economic impacts for Canada, especially the southeast Alberta region include enhanced skills training to meet the employee needs of the public and private sector, and enhanced community appeal and recognition as a place to visit and call home.

Medicine Hat College is also pleased to see direct support to students to help with the cost of education.

“Our research shows that students often think the cost of education is higher than it really is, and don’t always realize that student loans can help with tuition and living expenses,” Henning says. “Federal support to make it easier for students to access education is welcome.”

MHC also values increased levels of support for the research granting agencies including confirmation of the Budget 2015 commitments of $5 million for the College and Community Innovation Program and $7 million for SSHRC partnership grants in 2016-17.  Given the impressive results that modest investments in applied research have yielded to date and the dramatic growth in college and institute capacity, the college welcomes the government’s commitment to redesign and redefine how it supports innovation and growth. 

Medicine Hat College is a proud member of Colleges and Institutes Canada, the national and international voice of Canada’s publicly supported colleges, institutes and polytechnics.