GOLDSTEIN Contrary to myth public education is flush with cash says report
Author of the article:
Lorrie GoldsteinPublishing date:
Aug 26, 2021 • 15 minutes ago • 2 minute read • Join the conversation
An empty school classroom. Photo by Getty Images /Getty Images Article content Contrary to complaints from political activists that public education is chronically underfunded in Canada, a new study by the fiscally-conservative Fraser Institute says it has more than kept pace with enrolment growth and inflation.
AdvertisementStory continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article content“Our results also indicate that compensation remains the largest and costliest aspect of education spending and has contributed the largest portion of the growth in total education spending in Canada,†according to the report Education Spending in Public Schools in Canada, Fall 2021 released Thursday.
Study authors Paige MacPherson, Joel Emes and Nathaniel Li reviewed Statistics Canada data on funding for public education for the five-year period from 2014/15 to 2018/19 and came to the following conclusions:
After accounting for enrolment growth and adjusting for inflation, per-student spending in Canada saw an increase of 2.6%, or $359 per student, from 2014/15 to 2018/19, increasing total spending per student from $13,711 to $14,070.
AdvertisementStory continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article contentIn seven of Canada’s 10 provinces, per-student spending increased during the five-year period studied.
Nova Scotia saw the highest percentage increase of 9.2% or $1,262 per student, increasing total spending per student from $13,648 to $14,910.
In Quebec, per-student spending increased 7.3% or $873 per student, increasing total spending per student from $12,014 to $12,887.
In P.E.I., per-student spending increased 5.1% or $685 per student, increasing total spending per student from $13,323 to $14,008.
In New Brunswick, per-student per student spending increased 3% or $454 per student, increasing total spending per student from $15,032 to $15,486.
In Ontario, per-student spending increased 2.8% or $405 per student, increasing total spending per student from $14,416 to $14,821.
AdvertisementStory continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article contentIn B.C., per-student spending increased 2.5% or $310 per student, increasing total spending per student from $12,203 to $12,513.
In Manitoba, per-student spending increased 0.7% or $104 per student, increasing total spending per student from $15,330 to $15,434.
In three provinces per-student funding declined from 2014/15 to 2018/19.
In Saskatchewan, spending per student decreased by 10.8% or $1,711 per student, reducing the total cost per student from $15,869 to $14,158.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, spending decreased by 9.9% or $1,410 per student, reducing the total cost per student from $14,238 to $12,828.
In Alberta, spending decreased by 4.3% or $618 per student, reducing the total cost per student from $14,254 to $13,636.
AdvertisementStory continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
Article contentDuring the same period from 2014/15 to 2018/19, total compensation for teachers and other education workers across Canada, including salaries, wages, fringe benefits and pensions increased by $6.2 billion from $47.8 billion to $54 billion or by 13%.
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
Capital spending (new schools and expanding and renovating existing facilities) saw the highest growth rate of any spending category from 2014/15 to 2018/19, increasing by $1.3 billion from $5.2 billion to $6.5 billion, or by 25%.
“It is clear from the data presented that from 2014/15 to 2018/19 Canada has increased education spending in public schools beyond what was required to account for enrolment and price changes†the study concludes.
“This means there was a real increase in per-student spending in public schools in Canada … contrary to the general perception that election spending in public schools has been cut.
“Our results indicate compensation remains the largest and costliest aspect of education spending and has contributed the largest portion to the growth in total education spending in Canada. Capital spending has also seen a substantial increase over the years.â€
Share this article in your social network AdvertisementStory continues below
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.
By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300 Thanks for signing up! Comments Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notificationsâ€"you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings.
0 Response to "GOLDSTEIN Contrary to myth public education is flush with cash says report"
Post a Comment