Statement from Dawson College on Ministry of Higher Education Budget Cuts

MONTREAL (Sept. 6, 2024) – On July 31, 2024, the College received a letter from the Ministry of Higher Education announcing cuts that will have a significant impact on Dawson’s ability to carry out renovation projects and proceed with the purchasing of equipment. These cuts came into effect retroactively at the beginning of July and are expected to impact Dawson’s ability to finance greatly needed renovation projects, equipment and library purchases as well as investments in information technology.

The government is now imposing an annual ceiling on what it will fund for each institution. Dawson’s cap for 2024-2025, at just over $6.6 million, represents approximately 50% of the total amount approved by Dawson’s Board of Governors for the current fiscal year. This is a dramatic reduction of funding required for essential renovations and upkeep, a significant burden for a college that is located in a heritage building.

As a result, the College will immediately suspend all new renovation projects as well as the purchase of new equipment and library goods. This decision may also jeopardize our ability to do any major renovations in 2025-2026.  

Cancelled projects at Dawson include:

• Repairs required for important water infiltration
• Renovations to teaching spaces and purchase of equipment for government-imposed program revisions
• Purchase of furniture for newly acquired spaces

An analysis will be carried out by the College. We will give priority to purchases and building renovations that are essential to the health and safety of students and employees and the pursuit of our educational mission.

This spending cap was imposed suddenly and without any consultation at a time when:

• Quebec’s Auditor General released a report in May 2024 stating that two thirds of the CEGEP network infrastructure is in bad shape and that the provincial budget allocated was only half the amount required to address needed renovations and repairs.
• In their 2023-2027 strategic plan, the Ministry of Higher Education itself said that adequate infrastructure is a priority and is required for a quality student experience.

Dawson is currently participating in discussions with the Fédération des cégeps to petition the government to reconsider their position or, at the very least, show flexibility.

Media contact:

Christina Parsons
cparsons@dawsoncollege.qc.ca
Text/voice: 514-949-9183