041624 - The Students Association at Medicine Hat College says they stand in solidarity with other post-secondary institutions opposing Bill 18.-- NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
The Students Association of Medicine Hat College, which represents approximately 2,000 students, says Bill 18 could pose a significant risk to academic freedom and the integrity of research funding in post-secondary institutions across the province. Last week, Premier Danielle Smith announced the UPC would introduce Bill 18 to help her government push back against “federal government’s ongoing overreach into areas of provincial jurisdiction” by ensuring federal funding is aligned with provincial priorities.
If passed, the legislation would require provincial approval of all agreements between the federal government and provincial entities, including municipalities.
The students association at the college says the legislation will give the province the power to vet all federal funding to post-secondary institutions and that could lead to political interference in academic research.
“We thought it could pose a significant risk to the academic freedom and the integrity of any research funding that the post-secondary institutions gets,” says Lily Schaerer, president of the students association. “Here at Medicine Hat College we have research opportunities and we just don’t want to see those taken away.”
The association says they have joined their counterparts across the province to denounce the legislation, saying if passed, Bill 18 could undermine the autonomy of academic institutions and jeopardize their ability to attract top academic talent.
“When our goal is to attract talent to our region and our institutions specifically, it could add a barrier to that,” says Schaerer.
The province says if passed, Bill 18 would support Alberta in getting more proportionate funding for roads, infrastructure, housing and other priorities.
“It is not unreasonable for Alberta to demand fairness from Ottawa,” said Smith during her April 10 announcement. “They have shown time and again that they will put ideology before practicality, which hurts Alberta families and our economy. We are not going to apologize for continuing to stand up for Albertans so we get the best deal possible.”
Under current legislation intergovernmental agreements are required for provincial government departments and some public agencies including Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis, Travel Alberta and Alberta Securities Commission.
However this requirement is not required for municipalities, public post-secondary institutions, school boards and health entities.
Under Bill 18, Crown-controlled organizations as well as public post-secondary institutions, school boards, regional health authorities, Covenant Health, municipal authorities and housing management bodies would require an agreement approved by the province.
If Bill 18 passes the students association says the next step will be opening up a dialogue with other academic institutions in the province to see how the new legislation will impact future research funding and says they stand in solidarity with other post-secondary institutions opposing the legislation.
“I intend to send out meeting requests with those individuals that would be more knowledgeable in the areas,” says Schaerer. “And can maybe give us some answers that we’re looking for.”
