The Provincial Priorities Act in Alberta, which was tabled recently, requires provincial approval for direct agreements between the federal government and various entities, including post-secondary institutions. This legislation is modeled after a similar law in Quebec, but it goes further by including colleges and universities. Many universities in Alberta rely heavily on federal research funding from agencies such as CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC. The University of Calgary, the University of Alberta, and the University of Lethbridge all confirmed that a significant portion of their research funding comes from the federal government. However, some concerns have been raised about the potential impacts of this new legislation on funding for research and academic freedom.
Premier Danielle Smith expressed concerns about the federal government using ideology to dictate research funding through agencies like SSHRC. The Advanced Education Minister Rajan Sawhney clarified that the aim of the bill is not to impede academic freedom but rather to ensure that funding aligns with provincial priorities. Universities in Alberta are currently working with the government to understand the implications of the legislation, particularly on research funding. The University of Calgary stated that federal research funding plays a crucial role in driving economic activity, creating jobs, and providing world-class facilities and services to the community.
The University of Alberta also highlighted the importance of federal funding for research programs, job skills training, and workforce development. The funding from federal agencies supports a wide range of projects and initiatives that benefit the people of Alberta and beyond. The University of Lethbridge echoed similar sentiments about the significant role federal funding plays in supporting research and scholarly activities at their institution. Despite concerns raised by the premier about ideology influencing research funding, it was emphasized that there is a detailed application process in place to receive federal research dollars.
The University of Calgary Students’ Union raised concerns about the potential impacts of the legislation on students, particularly those already facing challenges such as rising tuition and housing costs. The union’s president expressed worries about the government’s desire to control sources of revenue and support for students in the province. The Alberta government plans to engage in consultations with affected parties over the summer with a goal of implementing the legislation early next year. Overall, the legislation has sparked discussions about the balance between provincial priorities and the importance of federal research funding in supporting academic and research activities in Alberta.
