Students Ready to Engage with New Minister of Advanced Education on Key Priorities

News Staff - Tue Jun 13, 2023

The University of Alberta Students' Union (UASU) welcomes the appointment of Rajan Sawhney as the new Minister of Advanced Education in Alberta. Representing over 35,000 students at the University of Alberta, the UASU eagerly anticipates the opportunity to work with Minister Sawhney on the most pressing challenges facing post-secondary education (PSE).

Alberta's university-age population is expected to grow by up to 40% over the next decade. Recognizing the critical juncture at which PSE finds itself, the UASU projects a lasting need for substantial funding to ensure the quality and accessibility of education for all Alberta students.

“I look forward to working with Minister Sawhney,” says President Christian Fotang, “and exploring how we can secure resources for today’s students and those that have not yet started their academic journeys. We can strengthen the foundations of Alberta's post-secondary institutions and create an environment conducive to academic excellence, provincial competitiveness and stability for students.”

The UASU will also advocate for support for students working in unpaid placements. These placements offer valuable experiential learning opportunities, but often impose financial hardship. More broadly, we look forward to helping Minister Sawhney improve options for financial assistance, ensuring that Alberta's students have a fair opportunity to pursue their career goals.

“We know that there are many links between mental health, financial hardship, and needs-based financial aid,” says Vice President External Chris Beasley. “I look forward to working with the Minister to make sure we’re investing in the right solutions.”

The UASU is eager to engage with Minister Sawhney on shaping the future of post-secondary education in Alberta.

About the University of Alberta Students’ Union

The UASU is the official representative of 35,000 undergraduate students at the University of Alberta. It advocates for students’ needs and priorities to the University of Alberta and at all levels of government.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Ari Campbell

External Relations Specialist

University of Alberta Students’ Union

ari.campbell@su.ualberta.ca

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