B.C. launches independent review of post-secondary education system

As B.C.’s colleges and universities struggle to balance budgets, the province is launching an independent review to figure out how to help.

The provincial government cited federal reductions in international study permits, global inflation and declining domestic enrolment as the primary cause of the current financial malaise.

Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills Minister Jessie Sunner hinted in a prepared statement that these schools need to retool to provide the “skilled workforce required to meet future challenges.”

“A strong and resilient public post-secondary system is fundamental to building that workforce and driving B.C.’s economic growth,” Sunner said. “Public post-secondary institutions must be prepared to respond to these evolving needs.”

Dan Avison, a former Emily Carr art school board chair and former B.C. deputy minister, will lead the review.

He is tasked with examining the operations, program delivery and financial sustainability of B.C.’s 25 post-secondary institutions. This includes 11 universities, 11 colleges and three institutes.

Avinson will deliver a report with recommendations by March 15, 2026.

More to come.