Budget cut to the university could be a way to punish the NDP

By Lethbridge Herald on March 5, 2022.

Editor:

The UCP brought in a balanced budget due to higher than expected oil and gas revenues. But instead of maintaining funding for Lethbridge College and the University of Lethbridge, they cut the U of L budget by 5.1 per cent.

There is absolutely no good reason to do this.

A motive could be found in Jason Kenney’s speech when the university opened the new science building. He said the university needs to do more “practical” research that brings in jobs.

Another motive: punish the NDP.

The U of L is one of the largest employers in Lethbridge and thousands of students rent apartments and houses, work part time jobs and spend money here. 

 The U of L is recognized across Canada for the research done in neuroscience, First Nations history and culture, business degree programs and teacher training. When a business considers moving to Lethbridge, the university is an attractive incentive: a source of quality education for the children of workers and managers, and a source for a skilled professional workforce.

Where was MLA Neudorf when this budget was designed? 

How can this funding cut be in the best interest of Lethbridge?

Allan Wilson

Lethbridge