May 25, 2026 — The University of Alberta Students' Union (UASU) acknowledges the recent changes to Alberta's provincial cabinet and looks forward to working with the new and returning ministers on the future of post secondary education.

Representing over 39,000 students, the UASU is eager to continue its work with the Minister of Advanced Education, Myles McDougall, building on the key investments in Budget 2026, including a $26 million operating grant increase for the University of Alberta, $3 million to expand Open Educational Resources (OER) and $20 million for the extension of Alberta Employment Youth Incentive, all of which were UASU priorities for Budget 2026. We thank Mr. McDougall for his strong advocacy for students and the University of Alberta, and we look forward to continuing in a spirit of collaboration. 

The UASU recognizes Minister Nate Horner’s service as Minister of Finance. "With a post-secondary system in flux and an increasingly volatile economy, we thank Mr. Horner’s choice in Budget 2026 to invest in the UofA and the post-secondary sector more widely,” said Angelina Raina, UASU Vice President External. “Those investments send a clear message that higher education is the backbone of Alberta prosperity, generating skilled workers, boundary-breaking innovation and research, and answers to the world's most pressing issues." 

The UASU welcomes Minister Nixon in his new role as Finance Minister and is eager to work together to ensure Alberta is taking steps towards a more sustainable, dynamic, and student-focused post-secondary sector.  

“The UASU is encouraged by recent support for post-secondary education, and we see a real opportunity in the coming months to advance it," said UASU President Joseph Sessek. "With the possibility of massive changes to the sector, including pressures related to the estimated 40% increase to Alberta's student-aged population before 2035, and in anticipation of implementation of the Expert Panel on Post-Secondary Institution Funding and Alberta’s Competitiveness recommendations, student leaders will be watching how support for the sector, and especially the position of students, shifts in the coming months."

The UASU remains committed to ensuring the future of post-secondary policy in this province reflects the value and the potential of our students, including:

• Funding institutions based on enrolment and program diversity, to recognize the incredible innovation that comes out of every corner of our research-intensive institutions.
• Maintaining the 2% annual tuition cap and ensuring that any future changes to the tuition model, including ones marketed as offering predictability, do not shift the financial burden onto students.
• Improving campus infrastructure with dedicated, multi-year funding streams for maintenance, renewal, and capital projects, and increasing overall investment in this vital area to address long-standing infrastructure renewal needs on our campuses and the future needs of the growing student population.
• Supporting low income students by shifting the share of student aid available in Alberta from loans to non-repayable grants at a time when the cost of living, tuition, and housing are cutting into students' budgets by thousands of dollars.

The UASU is also closely monitoring how the government proceeds following the October 19 referendum, which includes questions about whether temporary residents—including all student visa holders on our campuses—should be excluded from provincial social programs, including healthcare, for varying periods after their arrival in Alberta.

International students contribute more than $30.9 billion to Canada’s economy and come from around the world to pursue a world-class education. Many choose to stay and apply their skills here in Alberta after graduation, benefiting communities and industries across the province. Attracting and supporting these students is an important part of Alberta’s future prosperity, and any changes affecting their ability to succeed and thrive here should be approached with great care. The UASU looks forward to seeing the outcome of the vote and to working with the government to ensure international students continue to feel welcomed, supported, and valued in Alberta moving forward.

The UASU also looks forward to continued dialogue with Minister McDougall and to engaging with cabinet to further support students in this province—the very same young people who will help ensure the prosperity of our communities for years to come.

About the University of Alberta Students' Union

The University of Alberta Students' Union (UASU) represents and serves over 39,000 undergraduate students. Since 1908, we have been dedicated to advocating for student needs and enhancing the university experience. Through a wide range of services, businesses, events, and resources, UASU plays a key role in supporting students’ academic, social, and personal growth. Our efforts ensure that students receive the support they need to thrive both on campus and beyond.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact externalrelations@uasu.ca.