CAUT has termed the federal government’s Mar. 4 budget a “major disappointment” for post-secondary education, leaving Ca­nada’s researchers behind, providing no new support for universities and colleges to deal with increasing enrolments, and no relief for students already reeling under skyrocketing tuition fees and debt loads.

“The government was supposed to have taken time off to ‘recalibrate,’ but there’s been no change in direction when it comes to post-secon-dary education and funding for research,” says James Turk, executive director of CAUT.

“We’re disappointed to see only $32 million committed for the granting councils that fund basic research. “This covers inflation at best, but doesn’t begin to make up for the significant cuts announced last year.”

While the budget plan includes a 3 per cent increase in transfer payments to the provinces — a level the federal government committed to in 2007, Turk says the revenue measures fall short of being able to meet the needs of universities and colleges facing increasing enrolments and escalating costs.

“The fact is, this will mean fewer student spaces, higher tuition fees, fewer course offerings, larger class sizes and reduced student services,” he says.

Also very troubling are the numerous initiatives aimed at promoting the commercialization of post-secondary research, says Turk.

“A central theme in this budget is a continuation of the government’s efforts to force universities and colleges into a closer embrace with the private sector,” he says. “This threatens the integrity of research and the independence and quality of education, and in the long term this will also work against real innovation.”