From the President’s Desk: Advocating for the university’s priorities

President Bill Flanagan updates the U of A community on advocacy efforts in light of the Provincial Priorities Act 2024 (Bill 18).

The University of Alberta Main Quad, on May 1, 2020

On May 30, 2024, the Provincial Priorities Act 2024 (Bill 18) became law. It will come into force in early 2025 once its regulations are finalized. This new legislation mandates that provincial entities—including the University of Alberta and other post-secondary institutions—secure prior approval from the Government of Alberta before entering into, amending, or renewing agreements with the federal government.

As I wrote then, this Act is at odds with the U of A’s fundamental commitment to freedom of expression and academic freedom. Provincial intervention in federally funded research also risks putting Alberta's universities and researchers at a competitive disadvantage, undermining research excellence and impeding our ability to innovate and lead in critical research areas.

Since the bill's introduction, I have made it a top priority to work with the government relations team to do all we can to advocate for a post-secondary research exemption under the regulations. I have engaged in numerous frank and constructive discussions with the Premier, the Minister of Advanced Education and other government representatives. We have had continuous discussions with officials, consistently emphasizing the need for a comprehensive exemption for post-secondary institutions.

This is a matter of critical importance to the U of A. In 2023 alone, the U of A received funding for almost 1,800 research projects from the Government of Canada, totalling over $215.7 million—more than one-third of U of A’s total annual research revenue. 

Universities are not just institutions of learning and research—they are the bedrock of intellectual exploration and diverse perspectives in a free and democratic society. This legislation risks eroding the autonomy that enables universities to pursue groundbreaking research and foster innovation.

Signs to date indicate that the Government of Alberta has heard our concerns and is taking them seriously. The Government will release the relevant regulations in the coming months. We will continue to press our case at every opportunity, seeking a full exemption for all federal research funding to post-secondary institutions. This is not just about protecting our university—it is about safeguarding the future of research and innovation in Alberta.

Bill Flanagan
President and Vice-Chancellor


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