“The government continues to demonstrate confidence in the advanced education sector,” said Peter Stoicheff, USask president and vice-chancellor. “The overall funding for the University of Saskatchewan announced in the 2019/20 budget appears comparable to this current year. Over the next several days, we will review the details of this provincial budget to determine its impacts on our university operations, and will share further details at that time.”
Within the operating grant funding for the university, the College of Medicine received a funding increase for several initiatives that will support its ongoing accreditation, allowing it to continue to serve the province and the people of Saskatchewan as not only an educational and research partner but as an integral part of the province’s health-care system. The 2019/20 provincial budget also includes increases for targeted mental health/addictions funding, and an increase to the student loan program, both of which should be beneficial for post-secondary students in the province.
“We work very closely with the provincial government, a key partner and our largest funder, to ensure the province can reach its fullest potential through the impact and value our exceptional graduates and world-class research provide to the people and economy of Saskatchewan. We understand the provincial government has worked towards a balanced budget over the past several years — we are significant contributors to Saskatchewan’s growth and success, and we have endeavoured to do our part during difficult economic times. We will continue to meet the goals and aspirations of our University Plan, and to focus on being the university this province, and the world, needs,” said Stoicheff.