Without the necessary resources, it becomes harder for universities to stay competitive on the global stage

October 17, 2024
McGill University

By: Gabriel Miller, President and CEO, Universities Canada

This op-ed was published in The Hill Times on October 9, 2024.


Many schools are now facing a significant backlog of urgent repairs, which affects the quality of education they can offer.

With more than 1.3 million students enrolled in Canadian universities across the country, these institutions are shaping the next generation of innovators, researchers, and leaders.

To ensure these students thrive and make the groundbreaking discoveries that benefit all Canadians, they need access to modern, high-quality facilities. Yet, rising building costs, aging infrastructure, and inadequate funding tools are putting this critical mission at risk.

Beyond their primary function of providing education and training, universities serve broader societal needs. From acting as gathering spaces for communities to providing emergency shelter and supporting public health initiatives, universities play a key role in the well-being of all Canadians. When wildfires ravaged communities in 2016, 2017, and 2021, universities opened their doors to support their local communities. The University of Alberta helped house displaced residents, and provided mental health support through its faculty and students, while the University of Northern British Columbia and Thompson Rivers University provided emergency shelter for evacuees during wildfires. Thompson Rivers University—home to the Institute for Wildfire Science, Adaptation and Resiliency—is the only Canadian university with two research chairs dedicated to wildfire science, leading studies on climate change, human health, Indigenous cultural burning, social impacts, species at risk, and artificial intelligence applications.

In the face of mounting challenges like climate change, health crises, and economic uncertainty, university campuses also provide the infrastructure needed to tackle these issues through research and community programs.

Unfortunately, Canadian universities are struggling with outdated facilities, and the costs of maintaining and modernizing them are rising. Many universities are now facing a significant backlog of urgent repairs, which affects the quality of education they can offer. In the past, these institutions have relied on a patchwork of funding tools, often insufficient to cover the cost of essential upgrades. Without the necessary resources, it becomes harder for universities to stay competitive on the global stage, and meet the needs of both students and the broader community.

One solution to this problem is for the federal government to broaden access to infrastructure funding. Currently, Canadian universities are not eligible for several key federal programs that could help address these urgent needs. For example, the Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Program—which supports energy-efficient and accessible retrofits for community infrastructure—excludes universities. Expanding eligibility for programs like this would be a game-changer. Excluding universities, which fuel some of the world’s most groundbreaking discoveries, from key funding initiatives that support critical infrastructure is a missed opportunity.

Allowing universities to apply for federal funding dedicated to energy efficiency and infrastructure renewal would help address the growing backlog of maintenance and repairs while simultaneously reducing energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. This would not only improve educational facilities but also contribute to Canada’s climate goals and environmental sustainability.

In addition to the immediate environmental benefits, modernized, energy-efficient university infrastructure would provide long-term economic advantages. Improved facilities attract local businesses and foster partnerships that lead to innovation. These partnerships—in turn—generate new industries, create jobs, and position Canada as a leader in key sectors like technology, health care, and clean energy. Investing in university infrastructure is not just an expense, but it’s also an investment in Canada’s future prosperity.

A collaborative approach between all levels of government and universities is key to addressing this issue. By including universities in programs for infrastructure and energy efficiency, governments can empower institutions to continue providing high-quality education while driving economic growth. This would help alleviate the financial burden on universities and allow them to focus on what they do best: training students, conducting cutting-edge research, and serving as vibrant community hubs.

It is time for the federal government to recognize the critical role universities play, and make them eligible for federal infrastructure and energy efficiency funding.