Whereas colleges in rural British Columbia play a crucial role in providing accessible and high-quality education and training opportunities for students across the province, including a closer to home education for those who otherwise cannot access training or education to provide necessary skills for employability; And whereas rural colleges face increasing demands and challenges, including rising operating costs, growing student populations, and the need to adapt to changing industry needs; And whereas adequate funding is essential to ensure that rural colleges can continue to provide quality education, support student success, and meet the evolving needs of students and industries, while being challenged by distance and numbers when trying to meet the same requirements as colleges in more heavily populated areas: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM appeal to the Province of British Columbia to increase funding for rural colleges in British Columbia to support their operations, programs, and services and develop a standard of college funding more closely reflecting the real costs of providing required training and education to the population of rural British Columbia.
Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills The Province recognizes the critical role rural colleges play in ensuring accessible education and workforce training across British Columbia. These institutions provide essential learning opportunities for students who might not otherwise have access to higher education, helping to address regional workforce needs and strengthen local economies. Provincial funding for post-secondary institutions is allocated through a combination of targeted funding for priority programs and annual block funding, which allows institutions flexibility in allocating resources based on their specific needs. While funding is not directly tied to enrollment demand, the ministry remains committed to providing stable financial support. The Province acknowledges the financial pressures facing rural colleges, including inflation, increasing operational costs, and evolving program demands. Institutions also face challenges in maintaining enrollment due to strong labour market conditions. The government continues to work closely with post-secondary institutions to navigate these difficulties. Additionally, international student enrollment has fluctuated due to global trends and policy changes made by the federal government, impacting revenue streams. The ministry encourages institutions to explore financial management strategies, including collaboration and shared services, to support long-term viability. The Province remains committed to working with rural colleges to assess funding needs and develop strategies that maintain accessibility and educational excellence across British Columbia. The ministry stands as a partner in ensuring students across the province continue to receive a high-quality education experience.