With the provincial government forecasting a budget surplus of $5.5 billion in in 2023-24, Alberta is in a very strong position to provide the funding needed to support and enhance key departments such as education.
According to Minister of Finance Nate Horner, Alberta is now a national leader in economic development and growth.
“Alberta continues to stand out as a leader when it comes to fiscal stability and economic resilience in the midst of so much global uncertainty,” said Horner.
“Our second-quarter fiscal update is another positive report, showing strength in Alberta’s finances and economy and positioning us for future growth and prosperity.”
The province’s operating expense forecast has increased by $319 million, including $30 million more for eduction.
Unfortunately, the additional funding is far less than what is needed to address significant concerns, including overcrowded classrooms and a lack of student support, according to the president of the 43,000 member Alberta Teachers' Association (ATA).
In a release issued following the recent budget update, Jason Schilling said Alberta’s schools remain by far the lowest funded, per pupil, in Canada.
“As a result, we have a significantly higher ratio of students to teacher than every other province,” said Schilling. “Public education in Alberta would need an increase of 1.2 billion dollars to bring Alberta just to the Canadian funding average.
“Every student in public schools deserves to have their learning needs met. It is irresponsible and, frankly, quite shocking that Alberta students are dead last in Canada when it comes to funding.”
A recent ATA-conducted public opinion survey found that 68 per cent of respondents believe the province is not spending enough on public education, he said.
“By underfunding our public schools, we are failing a generation of students who will one day be our province’s leaders. We can’t afford not to properly fund public education in Alberta,” he said.
For the sake of current and future students, the UPC government will hopefully listen closely to these financial concerns being raised by Alberta’s teachers.
Dan Singleton is an editor with the Albertan.
