Provincial Budget Released for Southeast College

April 5, 2017

Southeast College received its annual budget from the Government of Saskatchewan yesterday. The College will receive an overall 5% ($292 K) budget reduction in its operations.

Preparations for the anticipated budget reductions began over a year ago with the College taking necessary steps to identify efficiencies and cost saving measures. These actions resulted in a decrease of 14% in operating expenditures.

While creating efficiencies, Southeast College has continued to grow its key programming areas by:

  • Increasing full time trades training opportunities;
  • Increasing capacity in Adult Education;
  • Developing new programming such as Municipal Management Essentials and Introduction to Telecommunications Standard Wiring;
  • Upgrading College industry safety programing; and
  • Working with the University of Regina to provide first year university in Education, Social Work, Health Sciences and more.

“Given the circumstance the Province is working through, we are grateful for the confidence that the Government has in our College. We will continue to invest in the areas that impact learner success and labour market needs in the communities that we serve,” said Dion McGrath, President and CEO of Southeast College. “We are looking forward to continued growth while adhering to our practice of disciplined financial management to ensure appropriate stewardship of our public responsibilities.”

“Like many businesses throughout the southeast region, the College has been challenged over the recent years due to the economic downturn. We responded by reducing expenditures and diversifying our programming,” said McGrath, “The College is positioned to continue to be responsive and flexible and we will continue to provide labour market solutions to the businesses and industries in Southeast Saskatchewan.”

The Provincial Government has continued their support for post-secondary education by supporting scholarship programs, including Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunity Scholarships (SIOS), which matches the funds raised by Southeast College.

Highlights from the 2017 Provincial Budget include:

  • Almost $50 K for matching scholarships;
  • $71 K for preventative maintenance funding;
  • Funding for Adult Basic Education on reserve programming, Skills Training and English as Another Language training remains unchanged from the previous budget year.

Southeast College is proud to be the Trainer of Choice in Southeast Saskatchewan. The College offers innovative and flexible programming that encourages students to learn where they live.

For more information about this release or for interviews, please contact:

Dion McGrath
President and CEO
(306) 848-2512
dmcgrath@southeastcollege.org

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