This Is Not Basket-Weaving: PATTON
Algonquin College is being forced to cut programs at the school that are vital to the future of the Ottawa economy, Bulldog commentator Mike Patton says.
Real Impacts
Mike Patton is the former communications director for Mayor Larry O’Brien and the president of the Ottawa West-Nepean PC Association.
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The province could use financial incentives to ‘direct’ post-secondary institutions to offer, and students to enrol in the courses that lead to careers that have been identified as preferred – for example the construction trades. Could. As in within the discretion of the province.
All the province needs to do is increase the financial transfers to the colleges and universities for specific programs. The increased funding could come from offsetting reductions in financial transfers for programs that do not lead to identified career paths. At the same time, the province could direct these higher education institutions regarding the tuition fees for each class of program.
As an example, double the provincial grants for the construction trades, but cut to zero the provincial grants for ‘basket weaving’. Set the tuition fees for the construction trades at $1,000 less per year. Set the tuition fees for ‘basket weaving’ at $1,000 more per year. Two related incentives, aimed at two related audiences.
This would send a message to the colleges and universities, and students, on where provincial priorities are. Of putting its money where its mouth is.
Financial incentives are not new. They are an age old technique used by governments everywhere.