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 steady decline in percent government funding. Currently only accounting for approximately 46% of institutional budgets, this decline (with a target of 42% by 2026-2027) has left both institutions and students shouldering a disproportionate burden, leading to increased fees and reduced services. As government funding declines, essential student services are being scaled back, placing student well-being and success at risk.

Post-secondary is not only a place where students learn and train to contribute to the labour force, but also a hub for research and innovation, moving society forward and gainfully employing tens of thousands of Albertans.

That safeguards the reputation of Alberta’s post-secondary institutions and economy

ASEC Recommends

Inclusion and meaningful consultation of students in the funding review panel.

Increase the investment in Operational Grant Funding for publicly funded post-secondary institutions, targeting 50% government funding by Budget 2027.

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 train our future workforce, and stunts innovation, all of which are crucial for Alberta's economic growth.

In recent weeks, ASEC has learned of the panel to re-evaluate post-secondary funding. We are optimistic that this will illuminate the risks of a continued decline. ASEC is adamant that student voices be meaningfully included in the panel’s review.

¹Fiscal Plan Securing Alberta’s Future 2023 – 26

²Data from Alberta Fiscal Plans 2020-23 through 2023-26

Alberta Students Deserve

Food Security

Human rights are student rights.

Having food to eat, just like a shelter over one’s head is a basic human need and right. While not a problem exclusive to students, we know that students are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity, and when that basic need isn’t being met they aren’t able to thrive in their studies.

When it comes to food insecurity, Alberta was ranked as the third most impacted province per 2022 Statistics Canada data indicating 22%, or more than 1 in 5 Albertans experiencing food insecurity¹. Data from the same report shows us demographic groups with increased vulnerability to experiencing food insecurity such as being Indigenous, racialized, immigrants, renters, younger (stats reflect lower rates by each age cohort), and unemployed.

From 2019 -2022 Alberta Food Banks useage increased by

73%

These statistics haven’t been surprising for ASEC members as many are seeing record usage of their on-campus food banks. NAITSA had 214 students apply for a hamper in the 2021 calendar year with that number more than quadrupled to 911 in 2023.

The Food Security Grant issued in 2023 has been greatly appreciated by recipients within the campus food bank community. With no end to food insecurity in sight, students are hopeful to have the investment renewed. Many organizations have limited capacity and are trying to maximize the grant’s impact. 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.

ASEC Recommends

The Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services renew the Food Security Grant, extending the grant term to two years.

Consult and include students in matters relating to food security, housing, and accessing other basic needs.

¹Government of Canada, Statistics Canada. (2023, November 14). Food insecurity among Canadian families.

²Food Banks Alberta. (2022). ANNUAL REPORT 2022.

Alberta Students Deserve

Mental Health
Supports

Invest in prevention and early intervention

With the affordability crisis exacerbating stressors already experienced by students, the need for more mental health support is acutely felt on campuses making it a top priority for ASEC members. Data informing the 2016 Advisory panel on mental health revealed nearly two thirds of students experiencing overwhelming anxiety; every survey during and since the pandemic points to mental health only worsening since then².

Students are experiencing cost of living pressures, major life transitions, evolving social supports, and academic pressures. When half of post-secondary students are under the age of 25 and According to the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health (CICMH), 75% of mental health-related problems are first diagnosed between the ages of 16 and 24 the need to have enough of the right supports on campus is clear².

16%

of students had seriously thought of suicide¹

2.8%

of students attempted to take their own lives¹

While the existing grant supports important on-campus service delivery, there has been no increase in the amount since its inception despite increasing need, enrollment, and inflationary costs. Campuses across the province have and are suggesting Mandatory Non-Instructional Fees (MNIF’s) dedicated to mental health and counselling to attempt to meet demands unmet by existing grant dollars. However these are yet another set of fees placed on students, adding to the cost pressures contributing to a sense of overwhelm, which was already a staggering 90% in 2016³.

To be a stainable 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. It is our hope that investing in preventative and early intervention care on campuses will result in less students reaching critical life threatening stages of mental illness.

ASEC Recommends

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

¹ ACHA-National College Health Assessment (NCHA) 2019 Data (Canadian Reference Group), https://www.healthycampusalberta.ca/framework-strategy/ncha/

² Statistics Canada, Postsecondary enrolments, status of student in Canada

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=3710008601

³Alberta Advanced Education, Advisory Panel on Post-Secondary Mental Health.

https://open.alberta.ca/publications/advisory-panel-on-post-secondary-mental-health-final-recommendations-report

Alberta Students Deserve

Transparent & Predictable Fees

To plan for their financial futures

In the pursuit of affordability, predictability, and transparency in post-secondary education, ASEC is seeking regulation and enforcement of existing policies related to mandatory non-instructional fees (MNIF’s).

In 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 impacts students attending most ASEC institutions¹.

This trend places additional financial strain on students who are already grappling with tuition and textbook costs and other living expenses. While MNIF’s are intended to be cost recovery, they have grown considerably, far outpacing inflation. Students are left wondering what fees actually cover when their access to services is flat or declining despite increasing fees.

With government funds to post-secondaries declining and international student restrictions bound to decrease tuition revenue, students are on high-alert as MNIF’s remain one of the few levers institutions have to increase revenue without regulation. The Tuition and Fees Regulation has many intended parameters for MNIF’s but students in multiple institutions have identified non-compliance. This is why ASEC is seeking support and enforcement of existing regulations in addition to framework similar to that of exceptional tuition increases to ensure MNIF’s don’t become flow throughs for expenses not intended to be covered at the initial point of student approval.

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

¹In an environmental scan of MNIF’s for ASEC members from 2020-2023 based on full-time enrolment

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

That safeguards the reputation of Alberta’s post-secondary institutions and economy

ASEC Recommends

Inclusion and meaningful consultation of students in the funding review panel.

Increase the investment in Operational Grant Funding for publicly funded post-secondary institutions, targeting 50% government funding by Budget 2027.

Alberta Students Deserve

Food Security

Human rights are student rights.

ASEC Recommends

The Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services renew the Food Security Grant, extending the grant term to two years.

Consult and include students in matters relating to food security, housing, and accessing other basic needs.

Alberta Students Deserve

Mental Health
Supports

Invest in prevention and early intervention

ASEC Recommends

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

Alberta Students Deserve

Transparent & Predictable Fees

To plan for their financial futures

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

Invest in prevention and early intervention

ASEC Recommends

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

ADVOCACY OVER THE YEARS

Mental Health
Supports