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Mar 27, 2015
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Post-Secondary Institutions Help to Diversify Alberta's Economy
CALGARY - In Budget 2015 the Alberta Government laid out some critical changes they intend to make in order to cut costs in the face of falling oil prices. Despite the cuts set to take place, we are pleased that the government recognized the value post-secondary institutions provide in helping to diversify our economy.
In Budget 2015, the Government noted that Alberta's colleges and universities contribute towards job creation, enhanced productivity, and the vitality of communities. They also said they needed to work with post-secondary institutions in order to help diversify Alberta's economy. Investment in post-secondary institutions will help in that endeavour by giving post-secondary institutions the resources they need to provide the resilient, highly educated workforce to the economy needs.
In the current economic downturn we know that unemployment rates will increase, as will pressure on non-degree granting institutions that help those people to upskill and right skill. Demand is already high, and that trend is expected to continue growing.
"Bow Valley College appreciate that in a difficult economic period, government is supporting Campus Alberta institutions with transitioning to a more financially sustainable model. We remain mindful that we are an institution turning away qualified applicants in record numbers in a province whose labour force diversification depends on access to practical training opportunities. We look forward to continued dialogue with our Ministers to ensure we do our part to deliver the kind of high value programming that will continue to support Calgary's economy," said Sharon Carry, Bow Valley College President and CEO.
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