VICTORIA, B.C.: British Columbia’s post-secondary sector is facing a growing financial crisis while the NDP government continues to withhold key reviews into the future of colleges and universities, says Korky Neufeld, Critic for Post-Secondary Education.

In 2022, the NDP government hired Don Wright to conduct a review of post-secondary institutions in B.C. and outline a new funding model, but never released the report. In January 2026, despite already having Wright’s review, the government launched another review led by Don Avison. That review was due in mid-March and completed in June, but it remains unclear when British Columbians will learn the fate of their colleges and universities.

“The NDP Post-Secondary Minister must be accountable for their failures and provide answers,” said Neufeld. “Why did the NDP government bury Don Wright’s funding review? Why did they start a new review when they already had Wright’s review? Why was Don Avison’s review late? Can the government promise it will be made public? If so, when?”

“This is yet another example of failure from the NDP government,” said Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Leader of the Conservative Party of B.C. “Mismanagement of the post-secondary education system is jeopardizing the future of B.C.’s next generation.”

Meanwhile, a new report from BC Policy Solutions paints a bleak picture of public post-secondary education. Since 2024, post-secondary institutions have cut or suspended over 180 programs, laid off more than 1,300 faculty and contract staff, and closed over 45 student services. Almost every public institution is projected to operate at a loss with an estimated $300 million annual shortfall.

“Under this NDP government, post-secondary institutions have been pushed to the breaking point,” said Neufeld. “Programs are being cut, jobs are being lost, and institutions across the province are running deficits. The NDP allowed colleges and universities to become dependent on an unsustainable funding model, and now students, communities, employers, and our economy are paying the price.”

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