The controversy stems from the Quebec government’s decision to raise university tuition for out-of-province students.
The controversy stems from the Quebec government’s decision to raise university tuition for out-of-province students.
Montreal Mayor Valerie Plante has voiced concerns over Quebec’s recent tuition hikes, warning that they could harm the city’s reputation and drive students to opt for educational opportunities in Toronto.
In a CTV News report, Plante argued that these tuition increases could have detrimental effects on Montreal’s reputation and could drive students to seek educational opportunities in Toronto.
The controversy stems from the Quebec government’s decision to raise university tuition for out-of-province students, a move that has raised considerable alarm among school administrations, opposition lawmakers, and current and prospective students.
Under the proposed hike, tuition for out-of-province students is set to surge from $8,992 to $17,000, starting in the fall of 2024. International students, in particular, will be impacted even more, facing a minimum tuition fee of $20,000.
“We need workers. We need students. We want our economy to grow,” she told the news outlet. “[If the CAQ wants] to reduce the gap between Ontario and Quebec, I have to say, this measure, what it will support is more people going to Toronto universities.”
Higher Education Minister Pascale Dery announced the tuition hike as a means to align the cost of education for students with the actual expenses incurred by the government.
The government contends that this move is necessary to protect the French language. English-language universities in Quebec, including McGill, Concordia, and Bishop’s, have a significantly higher percentage of out-of-province students compared to French-language institutions.
While the government’s rationale focuses on promoting the French language, many students and educators have expressed concerns. Tashya Weatherstone, an English literature major, stated, “I don’t think it’s going to make a difference. I think it’s just going to make a lot of people angry.”
Students like Silas Howard, who have embraced Quebec’s culture and language, question whether this policy implies that foreign students are unwelcome in the province. They worry about the potential income requirements that may be imposed.
McGill University issued a statement highlighting the possibility of a decline in enrollment due to the tuition hikes, with students considering studying in other Canadian provinces to escape the rising fees. The university expressed its commitment to working with the government to address these concerns.
Discussions between English-language schools and the government are ongoing, as confirmed by Finance Minister Eric Girard. He acknowledged the significance of these universities to Quebec’s economy and social fabric, but some believe that the tuition hikes contradict this sentiment.
Alexandrah Cardona, academic and advocacy coordinator for Concordia’s student union, raised concerns about the fiscal impact of the tuition increases, suggesting that revenue losses could reach hundreds of millions of dollars within the next five years if the measures become law.
Plante shared similar apprehensions, expressing her disappointment in the government’s decision and its potential impact on Montreal’s international reputation as North America’s only French metropolis.
