Alberta continues to be the economic engine of Canada, and Alberta’s government is focused on even more job creation and diversification. By investing in new infrastructure for higher learning, Alberta’s government is supporting job creation and modern learning spaces for students.
If passed, Budget 2023 would see Alberta’s government invest $125 million in capital funding over four years in MacEwan University to support the development of the new School of Business. With the new building, MacEwan will be able to accommodate an additional 7,500 students in business and STEM fields across its campus.
“This investment would empower growth at our universities, make higher learning more accessible, create jobs and support local businesses. We are excited to see MacEwan’s future School of Business and how it will contribute to Edmonton’s downtown community and strengthen Alberta’s economy.”
The School of Business is a proposed seven-storey tower in the heart of MacEwan’s campus in downtown Edmonton. The building would give the post-secondary institution 35,000 square metres of additional space, including 30 classrooms, 20 collaboration spaces and 15 study spaces.
“Through the 2023 Capital Plan, we are investing in important infrastructure projects like this new building at MacEwan University. Projects like this help to keep people working while delivering facilities that serve the needs of Albertans today and for the future.”
“The new MacEwan School of Business will spark creativity and foster entrepreneurial energy through its innovative design and focus on real-world learning experiences. I am also pleased to see the centre's emphasis on services for international students, who bring such a wealth of skills, talent and global vision to Alberta.”
Post-secondary campuses play an important role in their communities. This investment would help MacEwan University further contribute to Edmonton’s downtown core while reaching several goals outlined in the government’s Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs strategy, including:
- improving access and student experience
- developing skills for jobs
- supporting innovation and commercialization
- strengthening internationalization
“This monumental investment from the Government of Alberta clearly signals their belief in the value of our institution and post-secondary education in Alberta. It’s a historic investment that will catalyze further growth, revitalization and optimism in Edmonton and the capital region. A new School of Business building benefits learners, businesses and the community. This growth of our campus and city is only possible with the support of our partners in government.”
The services that will be housed in the new building include:
- A new simulated trading floor that will provide real-world experiences that ensure job readiness.
- MacEwan International will provide services to international students and help strengthen Alberta as a destination for future learners.
- A Careers and Experience office will connect students to industry for more work-integrated learning opportunities.
“MacEwan University and its campus are unique, not only because of our bold vision and commitment to delivering unparalleled undergraduate teaching experiences but because of our position in Edmonton’s downtown core. This significant investment allows us to continue providing transformative experiences that build community, business, and economic opportunities fuelled by an exceptional faculty committed to teaching greatness.”
Funding from the Alberta government would start flowing in 2024. MacEwan’s goal for its MacEwan Means Business fundraising campaign is $25 million.
Quick facts
- MacEwan University opened as Grant MacEwan Community College in 1971. It celebrated its 50th anniversary in the 2021-22 academic year.
- MacEwan offers 12 degrees with 39 majors.
- In the 2022-23 academic year, about 12,500 full-load learning equivalent students (FLEs) were enrolled at MacEwan.
- The current campus capacity can support up to 13,000 FLEs.