As we approach the end of this provincial election campaign, the cost of living, affordable housing, and the state of our healthcare remain top election priorities. This is not surprising, as they are important issues that demand immediate action. One topic that I have not heard mentioned is post-secondary education (PSE) – an issue that intersects with all three of the top priorities, and one that directly impacts our province’s future.
As a university professor, I see firsthand how these challenges affect not only students, but also faculty and the broader community. If we are to build a sustainable, prosperous future, we must address the growing crisis in many sectors, including PSE. All of our political parties need to recognize that a thriving, accessible, and equitable university system is a cornerstone of a resilient society, and that the issues of affordability, housing and healthcare are inextricably tied to the quality and accessibility of education.
The rising cost of living is a burden for many students, compounded by paying the highest university tuition in the country. Fees also continue to rise, outpacing inflation, while government funding for PSE has not kept pace, leaving students to foot the bill. The cost of higher education often leads to crippling student debt, which undermines their future financial security, and hinders our collective ability to nurture a skilled, educated workforce.
At the same time, students and faculty are caught in the grip of a housing crisis that shows no sign of abating. As rents continue to soar, finding affordable accommodation is difficult. Many students are forced to live in substandard housing, or commute long distances, making it difficult to concentrate on their studies.
The issues of housing and cost of living also affect the faculty who teach, research, and guide our students. The lack of affordable housing is pushing many experienced educators out of the cities and towns where the universities are located, which exacerbates the shortage of qualified professionals. As with other sectors, universities also face challenges in recruiting and retaining faculty, particularly in specialized fields, and the high cost of housing only makes these problems worse.
A growing number of faculty are now employed on precarious, short-term contracts with little job security, few benefits and insufficient wages. Many work multiple part-time jobs at different institutions just to make ends meet. This instability can result in a lack of continuity and mentorship for their students. Other side effects of precarious employment are an increase in mental health issues and burnout from high workload expectations. Our professors bring a lot to the table, including education, experience & research, but 53% of Nova Scotia faculty are untenured, and underpaid. This trend towards increasing reliance on contract faculty is not new, but it is growing.
At the heart of all these issues is the chronic underfunding of PSE by our governments. This has led to a reliance on tuition fees to make up the shortfall, increasing the financial burden on students and their families, and increasing inequality. Government funding for universities has failed to keep pace with the demands of a growing student population, forcing universities to cut corners and prioritize short-term budget fixes over long-term academic quality and research excellence. We need a renewed commitment from all political parties to properly fund PSE as a public good, not as a business enterprise. Ensuring sufficient core funding for universities is essential if we are to maintain a sustainable, equitable system of higher education.
Nova Scotia’s multiple universities serve as key drivers of economic growth, innovation, and research. Sufficient core funding would ensure that these institutions can maintain high academic standards, attract top-tier faculty, and offer competitive research opportunities. With ten universities, Nova Scotia has a unique opportunity to leverage its educational ecosystem to lead research, cultivate a highly skilled workforce, support local industries, and enhance its global competitiveness. However, without sufficient financial support, these institutions will struggle with resource constraints, which can directly affect the quality of education, research output, and community engagement.
Ms. Chender, Mr. Churchill, and Mr. Houston – we ask you to consider increasing government investment in our universities. To the voters – consider that a question about PSE IS a question about cost of living, healthcare and housing. When candidates come knocking on your door, make your voice heard this election.
Dr. Scott Stewart, President
The Association of Nova Scotia University Teachers
November 21, 2024