The government has announced major budget cuts to higher education. In particular, CEGEPs have a new annual infrastructure spending threshold. The implications of this decision are catastrophic and yet we barely talk about it. So, let’s talk about it.
The current situation in CEGEPs is already very complicated, particularly with regard to spaces and buildings. To name just a few problems: our campuses are so overflowing with students that we are looking to rent space in private establishments; the physical arrangements are already cruelly unsuitable for people with reduced mobility; some infrastructure is dilapidated and needs renovation; establishments (buildings and exterior campuses) largely need to be greened and better integrated into urban infrastructure (cycle paths); we are trying (and even required) to modernize our programs to graduate professionals who will be equipped to practice their professions.
It is in this context that the government is announcing major cuts to CEGEP infrastructure, when this is exactly where it should be investing massively, now! The height of interference, the boards of directors of CEGEPs will no longer even have the right to draw on their own contingency funds to invest in their infrastructure. CEGEPs that have been setting aside sums for years for major renovation projects beneficial to the entire college community will not be able to carry them out and, worse still, projects already in progress have had to be completely stopped – some CEGEPs having already exceeded the annual threshold authorized in September.
Our CEGEPs will no longer be able, independently, to choose to repair toilets or elevators and will, in this type of situation, have to make a request to the Ministry of Higher Education or the Treasury Board, hoping to be authorized to do so. and this, within a less than reasonable time frame…
You can imagine that the entire college community, from administrations to students, including professors and support staff, is revolted by this announcement. Pressure on the government must (and necessarily will) mount to overturn the decision. This is a problem that must concern all of civil society, since the long-term repercussions will be felt well beyond our campuses (quality of training, access to higher education, etc.)