The Leaked Briefing Document: 16 Ideas to Slash Funding
In early February 2026, New Brunswick's Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour circulated a two-page briefing document to university and college presidents. This memo, authored by the deputy minister, outlined 16 potential cost-saving measures aimed at reducing provincial funding for post-secondary institutions by $35 to $50 million from the current $449 million annual allocation. The document was presented ahead of a February 18 meeting in Moncton, with ideas needed for cabinet consideration before the March 17 provincial budget.
Key proposals included a straight 10% cut to institutional operating grants while freezing tuition fees, effectively shifting financial pressure onto institutions without passing costs to students directly. Other radical suggestions questioned the sustainability of the province's higher education footprint: with over 20 university and college campuses serving a population of just 860,000, and historically low enrollment rates, the memo asked, 'Do we need them all?' Specific ideas floated reducing public universities from four to two flagship institutions—focusing on the University of New Brunswick (UNB) and Université de Moncton (UdeM)—while potentially merging St. Thomas University (STU) into UNB and privatizing Mount Allison University (MtA).
- Merge STU's 1,700 students into adjacent UNB Fredericton and repurpose STU campus infrastructure.
- End provincial grants to MtA ($27 million annually), providing a 'transition trust fund' to evolve into an independent private 'Canadian Premiere University,' citing its 40% graduate retention rate.
- Consolidate New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) and Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) campuses, potentially closing duplicates and repurposing sites for K-12 schools, nursing homes, or affordable housing.
- Tie future grants to in-province graduate retention and limit student financial aid to New Brunswick residents.
- Cap provincial property tax reimbursements for universities and seek municipal funding for recreational facilities like pools and rinks.
These measures reflect broader fiscal priorities, including health care, skilled trades, and K-12 education, amid declining international student revenues due to federal visa caps.
Professors and Faculty Unions Label Cuts 'Catastrophic'
Faculty across New Brunswick's institutions have vehemently opposed the proposals, with unions describing them as 'catastrophic' and warning of long-term damage to the province's intellectual and economic future. The Association of University of New Brunswick Teachers (AUNBT) sent a letter on February 28 to Premier Susan Holt and Post-Secondary Education Minister Jean-Claude D'Amours, arguing that the cuts—compounded by a 11% drop in international enrollment in 2025—would inflict 'irreversible damage' to research capacity, technological innovation, and population growth.
Jean Sauvageau, president of the Federation of New Brunswick Faculty Associations (FNBFA), called a 10% grant reduction 'devastating,' predicting reduced course offerings, fewer services for students, and layoffs for part-time faculty. 'We are saving money in many ways... And who suffers? Most of all, the students,' Sauvageau stated. At Mount Allison University, MAFA President Laurie Ricker dismissed privatization ideas as 'preposterous and ludicrous,' noting the lack of evidence or feasibility studies: 'Universities make decisions based on evidence... these were two pieces of paper.' Executive Director Geoff Martin highlighted that replacing MtA's $27 million grant would require a $500 million endowment, questioning its source.
For professors, the stakes are personal and professional. Many rely on stable funding for research grants and program development, essential for attracting talent in a competitive Canadian higher education landscape. The proposals threaten not just budgets but the collaborative academic environment that defines public universities.
Students Rally: Protests and Petitions Gain Momentum
Student unions from seven public post-secondary institutions issued a joint statement decrying the proposals as choices that 'shape the future of education and the province.' They warn of tuition hikes (already nearing $10,000/year for full-time undergrads, among Canada's highest), program closures, and job losses rippling through local economies. Wilson Paluch, MtA Students' Union president, argued against retention-based cuts: 'Schooling in New Brunswick increases the likelihood of staying.'
Actions include planned protests on March 12 (NB Students Against Cuts) and March 17 (budget day), alongside an online petition garnering thousands of signatures urging reversal.Frequency News petition coverage Students emphasize inclusion in decisions, noting no consultation occurred before the memo.
In a province where post-secondary access is key to retaining youth amid out-migration, these cuts could exacerbate brain drain, limiting opportunities for domestic students pursuing careers in faculty positions or research.
University Presidents Defend Institutional Value
Leaders from UNB, MtA, STU, and UdeM have responded measuredly, emphasizing collaboration while underscoring their economic and social contributions. UNB President Paul Mazerolle stressed public funding's importance for quality education. MtA's Ian Sutherland committed to dialogue amid funding discussions. STU President Nauman Farooqi received assurances from Premier Holt of no merger or closure, highlighting STU's unique liberal arts focus.
Université de Moncton defended its multi-campus model vital for French-language services. Collectively, they argue for recognizing higher education's role beyond enrollment numbers.
| Institution | Key Response |
|---|---|
| UNB | Working with province to affirm public universities' value |
| MtA | Clarification needed; committed to foundational role |
| STU | No closure/merger; economic/social impacts emphasized |
| UdeM | Proposals premature; defend French-language campuses |
Government's Rationale and Walk-Backs
Premier Holt described the memo as responsible fiscal review of a $450 million expense, aiming for 'better outcomes' without eliminating schools. Minister D'Amours called it a brainstorming exercise for stakeholder input. Holt publicly rejected STU closure/merger and MtA privatization via social media, framing extreme ideas as discarded options in transparent policymaking.
Yet, core cuts remain targeted, driven by provincial deficits and shifting priorities. Critics question the rushed timeline—weeks before budget—lacking comprehensive review.Explore New Brunswick education opportunities
Photo by Alex Shute on Unsplash
Higher Education as New Brunswick's Economic Engine
New Brunswick's universities punch above their weight economically. UNB alone contributes $1.8 billion annually to the provincial economy, yielding $2.50 in lifetime student earnings and $6 in provincial income/social savings per invested dollar. In smaller communities like Sackville (MtA), universities anchor up to 35% of local employment; provincially, they drive GDP through research, innovation, and skilled workforce development.
Cuts risk hollowing regional economies, reducing research output in key areas like forestry (duplicate programs targeted) and exacerbating low graduate retention. For academics eyeing career advice, stable funding is crucial for competitiveness.
Enrollment Trends and Federal Pressures
NB post-secondary saw ~18,700 public university students in 2020-21, with women comprising 59%. Recent data shows an 11% international enrollment drop in 2025 (second year), straining budgets reliant on tuition. Low overall rates prompt infrastructure questions, but faculty argue consolidation ignores bilingual/regional needs.
Funding Per Student: How NB Stacks Up
NB's $449 million supports fewer students per capita than larger provinces, with lower per-student funding historically. Nationally, provinces average 1% GDP on post-secondary (70% universities). Quebec leads per-student spending; NB trails amid Atlantic challenges. Cuts would widen gaps, potentially driving talent to better-funded peers like Ontario or Alberta.
Projected Impacts: Programs, Jobs, and Access
- Programs: Trims to offerings, especially niche/liberal arts at STU/MtA.
- Jobs: Layoffs for part-timers; precarious adjunct roles strained. Check adjunct opportunities.
- Access: Higher tuition risks; reduced aid hurts low-income/rural students.
- Research: Slashed capacity hampers innovation.
Stakeholders fear a 'hollowing out' of communities.
Pathways Forward: Constructive Alternatives
Opponents urge evidence-based review: efficiency audits, intl recruitment strategies, public-private partnerships without privatization. Enhance retention via targeted incentives, career pathways. Long-term: align with labor needs while preserving access/quality.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
Toward the March 17 Budget: Uncertainty Lingers
As consultations continue, the higher ed community watches closely. Balanced cuts preserving core missions could emerge, but pressure mounts for reversal. For professionals, sites like Rate My Professor, Higher Ed Jobs, and Career Advice offer resources amid flux. University jobs and post a job to connect talent.
