The lack of space in CEGEPs is “at the top of the pile” of priorities for Minister of Higher Education Pascale Déry. “The projects are there, the projects are in the works,” she defended herself Wednesday, avoiding saying whether she would put pressure on them to speed up the expansion work.
“It’s a challenge, absolutely,” the minister acknowledged in a press scrum on Wednesday. She was reacting to an article by The Press reporting that the increase in students was forcing CEGEPs to install modular classrooms and extend class periods. Due to lack of space, one institution even reported having been forced to refuse 1,000 admission applications this fall.
“I can tell you that since the beginning of my mandate, it has really been at the top of the pile. It is still a priority issue,” Mr.me Déry. Since 2018, $1.2 billion has been injected into improving CEGEP real estate. Asked about the possibility of accelerating expansion work, she replied that “about twenty projects are currently underway.”
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Modular classes at Cégep Édouard-Montpetit
Institutions are multiplying creative solutions while waiting for their delivery, including renting premises or installing modular classrooms. “I know we often talk about trailers, but we are far from traditional trailers. We have state-of-the-art trailers that are capable of accommodating students on a regular basis, while we are expanding,” said Pascale Déry.
Regions as a solution, says opposition
“The government should have seen this increase coming,” said Sol Zanetti, the head of higher education in solidarity. “Education is supposed to be a priority for the CAQ, so I expect leadership of Minister Déry,” he continued, pleading for the financing of student mobility and new expansion projects.
PQ MP Pascal Bérubé also believes that the solution must come from the regions. While CEGEPs are overflowing in urban centres, CEGEPs in the regions are looking for students, he notes, a sign that the Parcours program aimed at promoting student mobility is not enough.
We need to provide incentives for young people to go to the regions, because there is still room.
Pascal Bérubé, PQ MP
For her part, Liberal MP Michelle Setlakwe believes that the government must review the way it assesses needs in the college network. “Last May, the Auditor General was clear: the Ministry of Higher Education is using obsolete budget allocation criteria, leaving CEGEPs overloaded and infrastructure dilapidated,” lamented the official opposition’s spokesperson for higher education.