Mitch Sorensen Following a protest today that saw University of Alberta president David Turpin being chased to his office by students, Minister of Advanced Education Marlin Schmidt said he supports the students’ call for the university to re-examine its budget.
Schmidt told The Gateway that his ministry has been monitoring the situation concerning the Board of Governors decision to slash its budget by four per cent. In response to today’s protest, Schmidt said it’s clear students are getting frustrated with the university’s budget issues and that he shares those concerns.
“That’s why I spoke out in the media last week on this issue and that’s why I continue to press the board and administration to give us some additional information about their view of the finances of the university,” Schmidt said.
Last week, Schmidt made comments directed to Turpin, criticizing his salary of $500,000 per year (with more in benefits) and accused him of “lining his own pockets.” While Schmidt said he regrets making comments of a personal nature, he said he questions the need for a four per cent budget cut across all faculties considering how the provincial government gave a two per cent increase to the Campus Alberta Grant, as well as $17 million in backfill funding.
“I’m questioning the need for a four per cent cut right now, especially in light of the fact that we’re giving them more money,” he said
Since then, Schmidt said he’s been in contact with board chair Michael Phair and said they’ve been working towards a solution. While he said things are “moving quickly,” he was unable to provide a definitive timeline.
“Like I said, I share student’s frustration and I’m working to make sure we protect student’s interests and that students have a high-quality education that’s affordable,” he said.
