News release

More Money for Universities and Libraries

Education (July 1999 - March 2013)

The province's surplus from 2003-04 will help universities keep tuition increases to a minimum and libraries expand their collections and hours of operation.

Universities received $8 million in additional operating funds on March 31. Finance Minister Peter Christie today, April 19, announced the additional funding as part of his address to the Metropolitan Halifax Chamber of Commerce.

The library boards received an increase of $750,000. It was the largest increase in library funding since 1999.

"Education continues to be a priority for this government," said Education Minister Jamie Muir. "We recognize that universities need more support and have responded with additional funding that taxpayers can afford. The additional $8 million will help the universities keep tuition fee increases to a minimum."

The province is currently discussing a multi-year funding agreement with universities. The agreement will ensure stable and adequate funding for the universities over three years to put them in a better position to plan and minimize tuition increases.

"It is our intention to add at least $8 million to the university system's operating grant base funding for 2005-06," added Mr. Muir.

The province is also working with other Atlantic provinces on a proposal to the federal government to help universities address the cost of maintaining buildings.