ULGA Union Leadership Engages with Public Interest Alberta on the Future of Public Education
October 17, 2025
This week, members of the University of Lethbridge Graduate Association (ULGA) union leadership had the opportunity to attend two compelling presentations by a speaker from Public Interest Alberta (PIA)—a leading advocacy organization committed to advancing public services, equity, and democratic participation across the province.
The first event took place on the evening of October 15 at The Zoo, the University of Lethbridge’s Student Union restaurant and gathering space. ULGA representatives Davide and Shara were in attendance. The following afternoon, on October 16, Shara and Moshin joined a second session hosted at the Lethbridge Public Library.
The speaker offered a timely and incisive response to the recently released Mintz Report on post-secondary education in Alberta. While acknowledging a few positive elements—such as the proposed commitment to freeze tuition for students once they begin their programs—he raised serious concerns about the report’s broader implications.
Of particular note was the low priority placed on stable, needs-based university funding, as well as troubling suggestions that government funding could come with strings attached—including potential influence over academic programming and even institutional editorial independence. The speaker warned that such conditions could undermine the autonomy and integrity of Alberta’s public universities.
He also critiqued the report’s proposal to allow students in the same program to pay different fees based solely on their start date, calling it inequitable and confusing for students and families alike.
Throughout both sessions, the PIA representative emphasized the importance of fully funded, accessible, and democratically accountable public education—a vision that resonates deeply with ULGA’s own advocacy priorities. His remarks sparked thoughtful discussion and highlighted the urgent need for student voices in shaping provincial education policy.
ULGA leadership found the presentations both informative and inspiring. We are committed to amplifying these conversations on campus and will work to promote greater student attendance at future public forums on issues that directly impact our academic community and public life in Alberta.
Stay tuned for upcoming events and ways to get involved!
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