Alberta Students Deserve More

Provincial Policy and Budget Submission

Explore this year's core priorities and the additional areas of advocacy and action that are important to Alberta Students.

ASEC is working on documents that will illustrate the unique needs of both International and Indigenous students across the province

Alberta Students Deserve

Post-Secondary
Funding

Alberta’s post-secondary institutions are facing challenges due to a sustained reduction in public funding, currently only accounting for 46% of institutional budgets. This decline (with a target of 42% by 202-2027) has left both institutions and students shouldering a disproportionate burden, leading to increased fees and reduced services. As government funding declines, essential student services like academic and mental health support are being scaled back, placing student well-being and success at risk. Students, already grappling with current inflation, are experiencing further financial strain, making post-secondary education less accessible to many. Post-secondary is not only a place where students learn and train to contribute to the labour force, but also a place of substantial research and innovation moving society forward, and gainfully employing tens of thousands of Albertans.

Increasing Alberta
Post Secondary Funding

ASEC Recommends

an increase in public funding for Alberta’s post-secondary institutions, with the goal of returning to a model where government support covers at least 50% of institutional operating costs.

Considerations

The current plan to reduce funding doesn't only impact students financially—it threatens the overall quality of education in Alberta. With fewer resources available and the evolving federal international student policies, institutions may be forced to cut programs, reduce staffing, limit access to key educational resources, and defer research and innovation. These measures to respond to unstable funding risks the quality of education, the ability of our post-secondaries to adequately train our future workforce, and stunts innovation, all of which are crucial for Alberta's economic growth.

Many institutions have already been forced to reduce or eliminate programs that support student success, such as mental health services, tutoring, and career development programs, and accessibility services. Supports, such as mental health and career counselling help students bridge their education to meaningful employment upon graduation, increasing the return on investment of post-secondary education. Post-secondary graduates earn higher wages over their lifetimes and contribute more in taxes, reducing reliance on social safety nets.

Government funding offers stable revenue that institutions can rely upon to build for the future to train, retain and attract key talent to safeguard Alberta’s future as a leader in innovation and economy.

Alberta Students Deserve

Food Security

Everyone Deserves to Eat

Food insecurity is a problem across Canada, and Alberta is ranked as the third-highest impacted province at 22% in 2022. Further, according to the Food Banks Canada HungerCount report, Alberta’s food banks saw a 73% increase in use from 2019 to 2022. Stats Canada data shows us that students commonly find themselves in demographic intersections that increase their vulnerability to experiencing food insecurity. For example, households are more susceptible to experiencing food insecurity if they are: Indigenous, racialized, immigrants, renters, younger (stats reflect lower rates by each age cohort), and unemployed.

The Food Security Grant is generous and has been greatly appreciated by recipients within the campus food bank community as well as rural food banks serving campus members who may not have a dedicated campus food bank. That said, many of these organizations have limited capacity and are trying to maximize their impact in meals provided. Extending the grant term to two years would allow food banks to better plan their operations, reduce administrative burdens, and direct more resources to providing meals, thereby ensuring greater efficiency and impact, resulting in higher value for taxpayer dollars. There is no evidence that food insecurity is slowing down or stopping anytime soon. As such the risk of extending the grant term, especially to any organization who has been accountable in a previous year, is minimal.

ASEC Recommends

Renew the investment in Food Security and the availability of the Food Security Grant, and extend the grant term to two years.

Considerations

While the grant itself is provincial, on behalf of the eligible students we would like to extend tremendous gratitude to the government for the investment in food insecurity. From our knowledge, no campus food bank who applied for funds was denied, and this is a tremendous feat in ensuring that the investment is indeed serving the right people. It is our hope that campus applicants will continue to be included and eligible as grantees in the program. With $4.1 million dispersed for 23/24, it is hoped that this amount will be renewed for two more years, each of them indexed to CPI.

ASEC is also attempting to work with post-secondary institutions and industry to broker partnerships that reduce food bank costs and result in higher yield for investment and availability of fresh foods.

Alberta Students Deserve

Mental Health
Supports

Mental Health Affects our Campuses

There continues to be considerable feelings of stress and overwhelm among Alberta Students. With the affordability and housing crises exacerbating stressors experienced by many students, mental health –which was already an area of acute concern following the pandemic–is an utmost priority ASEC members who represent nearly 100,000 students across the province. While the existing grant offers important on-campus service delivery, there has been no increase in the amount since its inception despite increasing need, enrollment, and inflationary costs.

According to a recent survey by the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA), 38% of students have experienced suicidal thoughts. This alarming statistic is only one indicator of the mental health crisis on Alberta campuses. Data from the National College Health Assessment Survey indicated over 13% of students seriously considering suicide and 2.1% attempting suicide. With the post-secondary student population in Alberta estimated around 300,000 that equates to 6,300 students attempting to end their lives; 6,300 too many.

ASEC Recommends

Renewal and increase post-secondary mental health grant by 50% with planned increases for cost of living each year thereafter.

Considerations

The most recent Telus Health survey shows that cost is a barrier to nearly a third of people who consider accessing mental health support. A recent report by the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations (CASA) shows that 60% of students are accessing informal resources and self-directed programs for their mental health care, with only 22% accessing on-campus counselling. Whether due to availability or preference, lower cost support is what is being accessed by students at nearly a 3 to 1 ratio.

An increase in funding is essential in ensuring student needs are being met in a preventative or early intervention timeline to mitigate greater costs down the line. Research shows that individuals with mental illness are twice as likely to have a co-occuring substance use disorder and that people with substance use disorders are three times as likely to have mental illness. The economic cost of mental illness and effects of substance use combined in Canada is estimated at $90B per year. Ensuring that care and education are available during critical years, during which many folks are enrolled in post secondary, in a venue that is accessible (such as campus), is critical for saving lives. And if that is not enough, the potential economic savings cannot be understated.

Every dollar counts when it comes to mental health, and even this increase of four million to the current mental health grant would make a measurable difference for students across the province. ASEC is a proud member of the Healthy Campus Alberta design team and keen to work with peers within that space to educate post-secondaries about low-cost, high-impact offerings that can move the needle for student mental health. Like any sustainable financial model, we propose that there be an annual CPI and enrollment adjustment accounted for so the increased quality of care is something students can count on year over year.

Alberta Students Deserve

Transparent & Predictable Fees

Mandatory Non-Instructional Fees

In the pursuit of affordability and transparency in educational fees, ASEC is advocating for a measured approach to address the issue of mandatory non-instructional fees (MNIF’s) within the post-secondary education system. By examining recent fee increases in post-secondary, MNIF’s have increased by as much as 33% at Keyano College, 50% at Portage College, and 65% at Red Deer Polytechnic over three years and affects students across the province at most ASEC institutions. This trend, outpacing inflation, places additional financial strain on students who are already grappling with rising tuition costs and other living expenses. Additionally, although MNIF’s are intended to be cost recovery, they have grown considerably without transparency. This often leaves students and the students’ associations that are meant to approve these fees in the dark about their true scope and associated costs. To rectify this situation and ensure a fair and equitable levy on students, ASEC recommends further regulations and the opportunity for re-consultation on large fee increases. This strikes a balance between the need for institutions to recover essential costs without off-loading the expenses to students as they subsidize cost reduction measures on campuses. Transparency and collaboration between institutions and students are pivotal in ensuring that fees are reasonable, and proportionate to the services provided.

ASEC Recommends

Amendment to the Tuition and Fees Regulation to require a Students’ Association’s written approval for any MNIF increases by 10% or more in a single year.

Enforce regulations prohibiting omnibus fees including increased scrutiny of any omnibus fees permitted through legacy agreements.

Collaboration with Students’ Associations to ensure enforcement of Section 8 Consultation, within the Tuition and Fees Regulation

Integrity and agency for

International Students

Work hour limitation

The rapid increase in international student enrolment reflects Canada's standing as a global academic hub renowned for its excellence and commitment to inclusivity. International students originating from diverse corners of the world are faced with a myriad of challenges when commencing their educational journeys in Canada. While the intricacies of visa applications can be conquered with support from their home countries, often the cultural adaptation within and outside of the classroom, finding housing, and true cost of living can be challenging to understand fully prior to arrival and commencing one’s journey in Canada.

The government is addressing the institutions who have been bad actors and zeroing in on possible loopholes within our country’s international student program. For the students here with genuine intentions and institutions that have been stalwart partners for many years – like the publicly funded post-secondaries in Alberta– it is our duty to ensure that students who are coming to our country as a part of these programs are supported in and outside of the classroom. This starts with ensuring basic needs are being reasonably met. This is why we recommend the government reconsider removing the off-campus work hours restriction for International Students.

Many individuals work while they study. Whether it be to pay for rent and groceries, support a family, cover the cost of education, or to build network and skills concurrent to their classroom education. Regardless of the reason for work, assuming the intricate visa application process has vetted applicants to ensure studies are their genuine motive, the associated off-campus work hours restriction undermines the agency of international students to make that choice for themselves.

In addition to one’s right to determine what amount they can work, international students are not immune to the affordability crisis. However they face restrictions in how much they can legitimately work to meet their basic needs amidst unpredictable and skyrocketing prices. This makes them vulnerable to predatory or exploitative work environments and high-risk situations such as human trafficking.

Contrary to publicly stated concerns, increased student work hours have not been shown to affect academic performance. Nearly half of all international students (45%) are employed part-time, and 1 in 5 students are employed full-time. Considering these figures, international students continue to report strong academic averages, with 2 in 3 students earning an A grade or higher (+80%) – levels that corresponded evenly with domestic students.

International students contribute significantly to Canada's academic, cultural, and economic landscape. We must do right by them and offer them the opportunity and support to achieve a reasonable quality of living and fulfil their academic goals regardless of their socioeconomic background or family situation. Restricting work hours risks unintended consequences by placing a blanket restriction on all as a reaction to the bad behaviours of a few. Given that international students are subject to income tax when working and that working empowers them to meet their needs, it is unlikely that this change will cost the government, rather it would more likely be a win for all.

ASEC Recommends

Remove the off-campus working hours limitation for International Students.

Extending International Student Visas

When international students begin their education journey in Canada, they are excited to study at high quality institutions while broadening their horizons in a new country and culture. During their time enrolled, international students attend classes and can partake in campus clubs and activities while contributing to their community through work and volunteerism, similar to their domestic student peers. This participation in society benefits Canadians profoundly and should be seen as a benefit to welcoming international learners.

While this time of learning and self-discovery often results in lengthening expected program completion timelines for all students due to pivoting programs or lightening course loads to manage competing demands –such as jobs to afford basic needs–international students are also adapting to a new culture and possibly doing so with English as an additional language. Our recommendation seeks to support international students and alleviate the administrative burden on the government to process extensions for what is a very common reality of the student experience.

Domestic and international students alike are taking more time to complete their programs and reach graduation. On average, they take “1.5 or 2 times [the] typical program duration” to complete their programs. ASEC recommends extending student visas to 1.5 times the program's expected duration. This better aligns with how long we now expect students to take to graduate, ensuring that international students can continue attending post-secondary and reach graduation without the added stress and complications of visa concerns.

According to Minister Miller, “about 20% of students apply for an [visa] extension each year” to continue studying and complete their schooling. By extending student visas, there would be less costs associated with the pressure and administrative demand on the government to process visa extensions. Furthermore, the visa process is costly for students as they must pay fees, update their English proficiency, and possibly require consultation with an immigration professional. Students who come to Canada want to make it to graduation, and by extending the student visas, Canada would remove another obstacle for international students in completing their programs.

An international student who completes their program within the standard program duration will no longer fulfil their eligibility requirements for their student visa. These students will then be able to either return home or apply for permanent residence as the system currently stands. This visa extension would serve to help students that need more time to reach graduation by providing the stability they need to focus on their studies rather than concerns of their visas.

Extending visas for international students to 1.5 times the standard program duration is crucial in supporting their student experience to be a positive one that aligns with what led them to choose Canada for their education. We can ensure that international students complete their studies successfully while empowering them to participate meaningfully in Canada’s culture and economy.

ASEC Recommends

Extend the duration of student visas to equal 1.5 times the expected program duration.

ASEC Supplement

Additional Advocacy

In addition to ASEC's core provincial priorities and 2025 Budget recommendations, our students are united in their care and interest in additional files within Advanced Education.

• Meaningful student consultation and transparency
• Support and affordability for International students
• Access and support for Indigenous students
• Fairness and processing speed of Alberta Student Aid
• Foundational Learning Assistance Program sustainability
• Availability of open educational resources
• Accessibility on campus and in the classroom
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
• Ensuring the future of research opportunities

• Access to reliable internet anywhere students call home

Throughout all of our work, ASEC believes that students deserve a seat at the table and opportunities to bring the unique experiences of Post-secondary students. We will always advocate for the student's voice the overall excellence of the student experience in Alberta.

Alberta Students Deserve More

Alberta Students Deserve

Post-Secondary
Funding

Increasing Alberta
Post Secondary Funding

ASEC Recommends

an increase in public funding for Alberta’s post-secondary institutions, with the goal of returning to a model where government support covers at least 50% of institutional operating costs.

Considerations

Alberta Students Deserve

Food Security

Everyone Deserves to Eat

ASEC Recommends

Renew the investment in Food Security and the availability of the Food Security Grant, and extend the grant term to two years.

Considerations

Alberta Students Deserve

Mental Health
Supports

Mental Health Affects our Campuses

ASEC Recommends

Renewal and increase post-secondary mental health grant by 50% with planned increases for cost of living each year thereafter.

Considerations

Alberta Students Deserve

Transparent & Predictable Fees

Mandatory Non-Instructional Fees

ASEC Recommends

Amendment to the Tuition and Fees Regulation to require a Students’ Association’s written approval for any MNIF increases by 10% or more in a single year.

Enforce regulations prohibiting omnibus fees including increased scrutiny of any omnibus fees permitted through legacy agreements.

Collaboration with Students’ Associations to ensure enforcement of Section 8 Consultation, within the Tuition and Fees Regulation

Integrity and agency for

International Students

Work hour limitation

ASEC Recommends

Remove the off-campus working hours limitation for International Students.

Extending International Student Visas

ASEC Recommends

Extend the duration of student visas to equal 1.5 times the expected program duration.

ASEC Supplement

Additional Advocacy

starting with basic needs in and out of the classroom.

Students deserve equity of opportunity

ADVOCACY OVER THE YEARS

Alberta Students Deserve More

Alberta Students Deserve

Mental Health Supports

Mental Health Affects our Campuses

ASEC Recommends

Renewal and increase post-secondary mental health grant by 50% with planned increases for cost of living each year thereafter.

Considerations

ADVOCACY OVER THE YEARS

Mental Health
Supports