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Expert Panel on Post-Secondary Institution Funding and Alberta’s Competitiveness

Panel members assessed the competitiveness of Alberta's higher education system.

Overview

The Expert Panel on Post-Secondary Institution Funding and Alberta’s Competitiveness reviewed and evaluated post-secondary institution funding to ensure it is used efficiently and effectively. 

The panel looked at funding models for higher education across Canada and around the world, while assessing Alberta’s ability to compete on a global level with excellence in higher education.

Their work will help government achieve the goals of the Alberta 2030 initiative – transforming the adult learning system to focus on providing the high quality education, skills and training needed for Alberta’s future. 

Status

  • Open

  • Results under review

  • Completed

    Report submitted August 2025

Who is listening

Ministry of Advanced Education

Panel mandate

The panel's mandate was to: 

  • review and evaluate provincial funding for public post-secondary institutions and independent academic institutions as it relates to government direction and priorities
  • look at funding models for higher education in similar jurisdictions within Canada and globally
  • assess Alberta’s ability to compete on a global level in higher education

Panel report

The panel submitted their report and recommendations to the Minister of Advanced Education in August 2025, with recommendations assessing:

  • current and alternative funding mechanisms
  • impacts of federal immigration policies on Alberta’s post-secondary institutions
  • the cost of the administrative and regulatory burden on post-secondary institutions
  • the overall competitiveness of Alberta's higher education system

Stakeholder engagement

The panel engaged with post-secondary institutions and independent academic institutions in 2025.

Panel members

Panel members have experience in Alberta’s publicly funded post-secondary system and other relevant experience. The panel members are:

  • Dr. Jack Mintz (Chair)
    • President’s Fellow of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary.
  • Charlene Butler
    • Board member Covenant Foundation, Actuarial Professional Oversight Board, Alberta Lawyers Indemnity Association, and Bow Valley Primary Care Network; previously served the Governors of the University of Alberta, as a senate representative, public member, and as Chair of Audit and Risk Committee and member of the Investment Committee.
  • Dr. Ray Block
    • Chair of the Workers’ Compensation Board of Alberta, previously Interim President of Olds College, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer at NAIT, Vice President Finance and Administration at Athabasca University, Senior Finance Officer at the University of Alberta, and Controller at Red Deer College.
  • Joan Hertz
    • Lawyer and corporate director, Chair of the ATB Financial Board of Directors, previously Interim President, and CEO and Vice President, External Affairs and Corporate Counsel for NorQuest College.
  • Peter MacKinnon
    • Columnist on post-secondary issues for the National Post, previously President of the University of Saskatchewan, Interim President of Athabasca University, Interim President of Dalhousie University, inaugural Prime Ministers of Canada Fellow at the Public Policy Forum, and Interim Executive Director of School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary.

Outcomes

Recommendations from the panel will help government strengthen the higher education system to prepare Albertans for the workforce and support a thriving and diverse economy and society.

News

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