UPEI applauds 2018-19 provincial budget

The University of Prince Edward Island applauds the Government of Prince Edward Island’s vision and support for post-secondary education, says UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz.

Prince Edward Island’s Minister of Finance, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, tabled the provincial operating budget for the 2018–19 fiscal year this morning in the Legislative Assembly.

“Today’s budget shows the Government’s strong commitment to UPEI and its students,” adds President Abd-El-Aziz, who had the opportunity to attend the budget briefing. “We are delighted to receive a two per cent increase in UPEI’s operating grant. This will provide much needed support to the University’s increased costs that include inflationary pressures.”

The PEI budget document confirms that the core operating grant for 2018–19 will include $32,047,600 for UPEI and $8,956,100 for the Atlantic Veterinary College.

The Government has aligned several of its priorities with UPEI’s initiatives, announcing additional support in several areas over-and-above the operating grant. These include:

• supporting a new doctorate of psychology program at UPEI, which will support educating and retaining psychologists in the province;
• committing $210,000 over three years to UPEI to support a Concussion Awareness Program, which will feature classroom education for school-aged children, concussion recognition training for Island coaches and officials, and important research on return-to-play protocols;
• providing $25 of funding per UPEI student for mental health supports;
• providing an additional $3,600 for a four-year program towards the cost of tuition; and, 
• providing up to $3,500 in debt reduction grants per year of study if UPEI graduates reside in PEI within three years post-graduation.

UPEI has been working closely with the provincial government over the past several months to develop a sustainable budget for the University. With today’s confirmation of UPEI’s core operating grant from the Government of Prince Edward Island, the University will now move forward with its own budget process.

“We thank the Government of PEI for the increase in our core operating grant, and especially for confirming that a multi-year funding agreement will be signed to allow the University to better plan for future operations,” says President Abd-El-Aziz. “It is a tremendous day for UPEI to see such extensive investment and commitment in areas such as health and mental health, access to post-secondary education, and retention of graduates.”

About the University of Prince Edward Island
The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.