Dr. Annette Trimbee, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Winnipeg
The University of Winnipeg appreciates the contribution to our operating budget announced today by the provincial government and the ongoing commitment to invest in stable funding for universities and colleges.
We know this is not the case in many other provinces where post-secondary institutions face funding freezes or reductions.
The University of Winnipeg receives far less from the province than other post-secondary institutions. This historical funding gap is an ongoing issue that is well known to the provincial government. Last year Dr. Axworthy led a coalition that included faculty, students, our Board, Foundation and Chancellor Bob Silver to make our case again with the province. Many people at the University and the Education and Advanced Learning Department have been involved in trying to solve this imbalance, including myself since last summer.
We have the data and analysis which makes our case. We feel the provincial government is listening. We will continue to work to correct the funding imbalance.
We are doing our part. We have worked hard to reduce costs. Since 2008 we have aggressively pursued efficiencies and we are now saving $12.5 million annually. That is an ongoing 10% reduction in our budget. We have severely restricted hiring in both academic and administrative positions, we have pursued energy efficiency, collaborated with other post-secondary institutions to strengthen our purchasing power, restrained senior salaries and ended expensive leases.
BACKGROUND
UWINNIPEG’S UNIQUE MISSION AND IMPACT
The University of Winnipeg is aligned with the Manitoba government’s objective of providing high quality post-secondary education with a strong emphasis on accessibility especially for non-traditional students — including adult learners, war-affected youth, First Nations, Metis and Inuit students and new immigrants.
UWinnipeg has a unique place in Manitoba’s post-secondary landscape. We are a dynamic downtown hub that attracts a diverse population and we are significant players in helping to revitalize the inner city. We have attracted $217 million in new investments and added 35% more space to our campus footprint in order to accommodate student needs and enrolment growth. Capital projects such as our new buildings are funded by assertive fundraising and government infrastructure programs and are distinct and separate from UWinnipeg’s operating budget.
In the past fifteen years, enrolment at UWinnipeg has increased by 55% and one third of our student body is drawn from those who have historically been under-represented in post-secondary classes.
We are one of the top universities in the country for Indigenous participation, with more than
10% of our student body comprised of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students. A further 25% of students self-identify as visible minorities.
According to conservative analysis, UWinnipeg provides more than a quarter billion dollars in direct and indirect economic impact to the economy on an annual basis. More than 80% of people who graduate from a university in Manitoba stay here to assume leadership roles. University graduates fuel the economy: they make up about 25% of the population, yet they contribute more than 40% of the tax base in Manitoba and Canada. The increasingly knowledge-based and creative economy relies on a well-educated, well-rounded citizenry capable of research and innovation. The University of Winnipeg is an important contributor to Manitoba’s pool of talent and provides a significant return on investment.
In the coming weeks, UWinnipeg’s budget team will continue to meet with the Deans and departmental managers. UWinnipeg’s funding gap will take a concerted and staged approach to manage. Even though we have significant spending restraints in place, we will be facing a shortfall of several millions of dollars this coming fiscal year. That will be challenging because we have already cut 10% from our budget annually.
We will finalize our operating budget documents for Board of Regents review and approval in June.
