Federal Budget

Universities waiting on province to capitalize on infrastructure funds

Focus shifts to Nova Scotia government after Ottawa unveils budget

Saint Mary's University upgrades its infrastructure. Provincial funding will be required for future renovations on campuses. Photo: Sydnee Bryant

The $2 billion for post-secondary infrastructure renewal included in the Conservative budget on Tuesday was welcome news to Nova Scotia universities, but provincial funding is also needed before any work begins.

"I think that's a very significant amount of money. It's great for universities right across the country," said Peter Halpin, president of the Association of Atlantic Universities.

Allocation of the money will be based on the merit and readiness of universities' individual proposals. The budget stated the federal government will pay for up to half of each project, with the remaining funding coming from other sources.

"It doesn't define who those other partners are, but I think it's safe to say the other principal partner would be the provincial government," Halpin said. "Clearly, they would have a critical role in actually helping initiate the projects. My sense is that none of our institutions would be prepared to initiate any of these projects until the funding was firmly in place."

William Barker, president of the University of King's College, agrees the Nova Scotia government's response to the federal budget will be vital.

"It's only when (funding) gets down to the provincial level that we'll really know what that means. I suspect that some of this will be travelling in our direction," Barker says. "I remain hopeful at this time. We'll have to wait for the province."

Halpin says the projects outlined by the Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents match the federal government's desire for economic and environmental benefits, which should make them more attractive.

"I think we've got a rock-solid proposal. I don't think there's any question about the merit of our projects. We've demonstrated that every one of them will have a very significant economic impact in their communities and right across the province," he said.

"All of our projects are ready to go right now," Halpin said. "I trust we will know relatively soon if the provincial government is prepared to invest in university infrastructure renewal."

There are signs the provincial government will provide similar funding in its 2009 budget. Finance Minister Michael Baker said on Wednesday the province might consider borrowing money in order to invest in infrastructure projects, including universities and colleges, cbc.ca reports.

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