The Government of Alberta (GOA) has announced the budget implications for Portage College. The College will see an approximate -6% decrease overall effective immediately, which includes a one-year suspension of infrastructure maintenance funding and a reduction to both the base operating grant and apprenticeship training grants.

The tuition freeze will be lifted for the 2020-21 academic year which is intended to give institutions the opportunity to offset grant losses. Portage recognizes our unique student needs and will be looking for ways to minimize impact for vulnerable students.

Portage appreciates the government’s recognition of the College as a unique organization with varied challenges and a limited ability to absorb cuts while determining our grant reductions.

“We recognize the financial situation of the province and the tough decisions government had to make,” said Nancy Broadbent, President and CEO. “We have worked diligently to meet the challenges without impacting programs and services for students.”

Portage has also been informed that beyond the 2019-20 cuts, the government will assign spending reduction targets as they intend to implement a new funding model. The new model highlights support to the employment industry and will encourage post-secondary institutions to collaborate and find ways to rely less on government funding.

Portage is encouraged that the government is continuing to focus on employment programs and has acknowledged Portage’s strength in delivering these programs to both full-time and part-time students.

“We are keen to work with government, post-secondary institutions, partners in K-12 and others to find systemic ways to deliver programming in Alberta in the most efficient and effective manner.” said Broadbent.

Media Inquiries:
Jaime Davies, Corporate Communications Manager 
780-623-5581 or email