Students Respond to Deferred Maintenance, Research Funding for Universities

Students Respond to Deferred Maintenance, Research Funding for Universities 

Halifax, NS - Today, the Government of Nova Scotia announced an investment of $105 million for four Nova Scotia universities, with an emphasis on campus infrastructure and fostering research and innovation. This funding includes investments in deferred maintenance at St. FX University, Acadia University, Cape Breton University and Université Sainte-Anne as well as a planned Strategic Health Initiative and Center for Discovery and Innovation at Cape Breton University. 

“Students are pleased to see today’s investments in infrastructure and innovation across rural university campuses,” said Megan Cyr, VP Academic and External for the Acadia Students’ Union.  “Postsecondary students and graduates are major drivers of economic and population growth, and institutions are key contributors to research and development in Nova Scotia. Modern, innovative infrastructure is critical to an accessible, high quality education that prepares students for the transition to the workforce”.

Campus renewal is a particular priority area, as aging and outdated infrastructure poses negative implications for educational quality and postsecondary institutions must be in compliance with Nova Scotia’s Accessibility Act legislation by 2030. With deferred maintenance estimates ranging from $600 million to $1.3 billion and many institutions choosing between needed infrastructure updates and other critical student services and supports, this funding is both a welcome and timely support.

However, it is crucial that accountability mechanisms are in place to ensure that funding is not diverted to other projects or operational expenses, and that investments are targeted towards those upgrades and projects that most directly benefit students. 

“Today’s investments will aid rural universities in addressing deferred maintenance and accessibility barriers, supporting a high quality, innovative educational experience for students across Nova Scotia,” said Benjamin Fairhurst, VP External of the St. FX Students’ Union and Chair of StudentsNS. “However, we hope that institutions will be held accountable in ensuring that this funding is allocated towards the projects and priorities with the largest impacts upon physical and academic accessibility, as well as educational quality and student wellbeing.”

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Students Nova Scotia is the province’s largest student advocacy organization, representing 20,000 students at Acadia, Saint Mary’s, and St. FX Universities as well as campuses of the Nova Scotia Community College. We support today’s investment in the hopes that it will further enhance educational quality and accessibility across the province. Students Nova Scotia has regularly emphasized the importance of adequate university funding in supporting sector sustainability, enhancing educational quality and lessening institutional reliance upon enrolment and student fees (the largest revenue source for most Nova Scotia universities).