The BC Government is launching an independent review to strengthen the public post-secondary education system and ensure it is sustainable and well-positioned to support B.C.’s economic growth.

“One of the key pillars of the government’s jobs and economic plan, Look West, is ensuring British Columbia has the skilled workforce required to meet future challenges,” said Jessie Sunner, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.

“A strong and resilient public post-secondary system is fundamental to building that workforce and driving B.C.’s economic growth. Public post-secondary institutions must be prepared to respond to these evolving needs.”

The Province says public post-secondary institutions in B.C. are facing significant financial pressures, largely due to factors such as unilateral federal reductions to study permits for international students, global inflation and declining domestic enrolment.

A report is due in March that will guide government’s work to keep the system accessible, affordable, sustainable and aligned with provincial economic priorities.

In 2021 and 2022, the government worked with the post-secondary sector to gather input about how the Province funds operations at B.C.’s public institutions.

Because of the dramatically changed landscape, the information collected three years ago no longer addresses the environment that post-secondary institutions face.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.