UBC Reports | Vol. 47 | No. 05 | Mar. 8, 2001

B.C. government promises funding

Cut in tuition fees to be accompanied by increased dollars for universities

The province will compensate universities for a five per cent tuition decrease, according to a recent provincial government announcement.

The announcement also acknowledged the indirect costs of research by committing $23 million from the current fiscal year's budget. An equal amount from this year's budget is committed to new equipment and library purchases.

"This step is a significant investment in people and ideas," says UBC President Martha Piper, who also chairs the University Presidents' Council of B.C. "Increasing opportunities for education and research is arguably the most important investment a government can make toward developing a strong economy and a robust society."

"The priority given to university research is very encouraging," Piper adds. "The support will help position not only UBC but the whole province to compete effectively in the rapidly evolving knowledge-based economy. We look forward to continued investments in research excellence in B.C."

"We are certainly optimistic about the premier's promise to make British Columbia the education province of Canada," says Alma Mater Society President Erfan Kazemi. "The five per cent tuition rollback will undoubtedly save students money in the short term. However, in order to prepare for their education financially, students need to know what their tuition will be in next three to five years.