As the 2024 provincial election campaign unfolds, we can expect much debate about the management of goods and services and the spending of taxpayers’ money. The provincial debt, jobs, the environment, health care and population growth are sure to be the predominant themes of parties’ election platforms, as these are priorities for the population as a whole. As part of a plan for our province’s future, we hope to see the issue of investment in public universities take a prominent place in the election platforms of all parties and among the priorities of the electorate.
Political parties must approach the issue of post-secondary education from the outset, recognizing that investment in public universities is one of the best ways to stimulate the economy, improve the health of the population and reverse the trend of demographic decline in the province. To meet these challenges, we need public universities.
Studies on the economic impact of public universities show that for every dollar invested , society reaps double, quadruple or more, depending on the measure used (e.g., graduates’ salaries, taxes generated, etc.). These economic benefits stem from research and development activities, entrepreneurship and business creation, the number of people they employ in the province, and the contributions of graduates who enrich New Brunswick.
Furthermore, a higher level of education is strongly correlated with better health. A 2016 report from Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer indicates that higher levels of education (and therefore higher income) are associated with better health and less use of healthcare services overall and, consequently, lower costs.
New Brunswick’s public universities play an important role in keeping our province strong through population growth. They attract students from outside the province and the country, and are essential to keeping young people and professionals in New Brunswick. Mount Allison University, for example, reports that 60% of its students come from other countries or elsewhere in Canada. At St. Thomas University, an estimated 71% of graduates remain in New Brunswick after graduation, a statistic that rises to 88% at the Université de Moncton
Whichever way you look at it, it’s abundantly clear that every dollar invested in public universities yields a considerable return. This return on investment is perhaps unparalleled when compared to other sectors of society. Adequate funding of New Brunswick’s public universities promotes economic and social development, and ensures a brighter future for our population, who are encouraged to grow and stay in the province. Investing in public universities is extremely wise.
The Federation of New Brunswick Faculty Associations unequivocally believes that a vibrant public university system is synonymous with a healthier, more prosperous New Brunswick, ready to meet any challenge.
Join the FNBFA this provincial election and call for strong public universities – an investment in New Brunswick’s future.
