URFA responds to the Government of Saskatchewan’s 2021-22 budget
REGINA, Sask. — This week, the Government of Saskatchewan presented its budget for the 2021 – 22 fiscal year. The budget contains a four-year commitment to maintain the University of Regina’s current base operating funding. Non-base funding for the University of Regina includes close to $5.5 million dollars in years one and two of the next four years for COVID-19 recovery and to support long-term financial sustainability projects. Overall, the 2021 – 22 budget for Campion College, First Nations University of Canada, Luther College and the University of Regina is $133,867,650.
“A community of critical thinkers, creative innovators and a skilled work force are vital to our province’s recovery from COVID 19 and for the preparation for the next pandemic,” says Dr. Britt Hall, University of Regina Faculty Association President. “This provincial budget is a good first step in ensuring that post-secondary education continues to support, train and prepare these future leaders for future challenges.”
During Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Thomas Chase’s remarks on April 6, 2021 about the provincial budget, he stated that no increase in base funding in the next four years will present challenges “such as managing salary increases, utility hikes and other inflationary pressures.” URFA understands that the University has faced, and will continue to face, uncertainties in operations during the remainder of the pandemic and in the post-pandemic period. As the University continues budget discussions, URFA encourages the University to keep the impacts of any budgetary decisions on URFA members and students at the forefront. URFA members and students are critical to the University’s success and should not have to face cuts or tuition increases.
The past year has been trying. URFA members have rallied to support each other and students in adapting to the innumerable, unforeseen challenges resulting from COVID-19 that have upended how all of us live, work and study. In response to the Government of Saskatchewan’s 2021 – 22 budget, URFA asks that:
- The University of Regina look at all financial options that do not adversely impact URFA members or students.
- The University of Regina draw on the creativity and innovation of URFA members to implement the non-base funding designated for COVID-19 recovery and financial sustainability projects.
- The Government of Saskatchewan commit to offset any unforeseen costs the University may incur as a result of the ongoing and unknown impacts of COVID-19.
URFA members and students make significant contributions to the University’s ability to lead the way forward to a strong and vibrant post-pandemic Saskatchewan. University investments in faculty and staff, and a provincial government commitment to sustained post-secondary education funding are critical to ensuring the continued environment of innovation and idea-generation that is currently found at the University of Regina.
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Quick facts
The 2021 – 22 budget* for Campion College, First Nations University of Canada, Luther College and the University of Regina is as follows:
- Campion College: $4,022,050
- First Nations University of Canada: $3,859,900
- Luther College: $3,958,400
- University of Regina: $122,027,300
*As outlined in the 2021 – 22 Ministry of Advance Education budget letters
Related links
- University of Regina 2021 – 2022 Provincial Budget Response (University of Regina)
- 2021 – 22 Ministry of Advance Education budget letters (Government of Saskatchewan)
- $60 million investment to address pandemic challenges in post-secondary education (Government of Saskatchewan)
About University of Regina Faculty Association
The University of Regina Faculty Association (URFA) is a union of more than 1,500 professionals working to advance the academic mission of Campion College, First Nations University of Canada, Luther College, and the University of Regina. Visit urfa.ca to learn more.