Faced with long waiting lists for student residences, Quebec replies that it is “very aware of this problem” and wishes to accelerate the construction of student housing, while ensuring that more projects see the light of day.
“It’s clear that the needs are there, and they are great. The challenge is great […] we are on it, recognizes in interview with The duty the Minister of Higher Education, Pascale Déry. We are evaluating all the scenarios, and other departments are involved. We are working very closely together to possibly do more, and speed up the construction of these homes.”
She reacted to the report of the Duty according to which CEGEP residences must refuse a record number of students this year, which compromises the study plans of hundreds of young Quebecers and foreign students. The situation is also problematic in the university network.
“It’s a collective effort,” insists the minister. The government has its share, but the institutions, the promoters, the cities, everyone works together and pitches in. There are projects that are very creative, there are projects that are already on the table. But it still takes a while, a year or two, before you see these homes grow.”
The 2023-2033 Quebec Infrastructure Plan (PQI) provides an envelope of $27.5 million for student housing, up to $10.3 million for universities and $17.2 million for CEGEPs. But some believe that the sums allocated are insufficient for the needs. The Work Unit for the establishment of student housing (UTILE) is also asking for more predictable and specific funding for student housing, considering that the operation by calls for projects limits the amount of construction.
“Is that enough? Maybe not, but it’s a very good start, it’s a step in the right direction,” replies Minister Déry. She adds that, until very recently, there was no budget allocated for universities but only for CEGEPs.
The Minister responsible for Housing, France-Élaine Duranceau, for her part revealed in the pages of the Duty want to amend his bill to facilitate the construction of student housing for CEGEP students. She says she is open to the idea of funding more student accommodation in the future.