Quebec's tuition hike controversy: a bid to protect French or a higher education setback?

Tashi Farmilo

In a recent turn of events, Quebec has announced plans to nearly double the tuition rates for Canadian students from outside the province attending its English-language universities. This move, led by French Language Minister Jean-François Roberge and Higher Education Minister Pascale Déry, aims to prioritize French-language universities and address the decline of the French language in Quebec. However, this decision has sparked widespread concern and criticism.

Starting in 2024, the tuition fees for out-of-province students will surge from approximately $9,000 to $17,000 annually.

This has raised alarms about the financial viability of Quebec's anglophone universities. The smallest, Bishop’s University, fears for its future with nearly one-third of its student body coming from other provinces. McGill and Concordia Universities also face significant annual financial losses, estimated at up to $94 million and $62 million, respectively.

The Quebec government's move has not only been criticized for its potential economic impact but also for the lack of consultation with the affected universities. Graham Carr, Concordia University's President and Vice-Chancellor, expressed shock and disappointment, noting the decision's impact on Montreal's reputation as an affordable university city.

Mayor Valérie Plante of Montreal echoed these concerns, highlighting the negative economic and reputational impacts this policy could have on the city. She suggested that it could drive students to consider other cities like Toronto for their studies.

McGill University, renowned for its diverse student body, issued a statement emphasizing the threat this policy poses to the institution's ability to attract international talent.

Principal and Vice-Chancellor Deep Saini stressed the importance of openness and diversity in fostering a strong academic community.

Adding a personal perspective, student Taz Chu expressed concerns on their social media page: "The consequences of Quebec's tuition hike for out-of-province students (like myself) next year and the crackdown on English universities could genuinely jeopardize McGill. Hiring freeze, ~50 million in revenue lost, and a catastrophic drop in enrollment."

In response to these developments, a petition has been launched, demanding the cancellation of the tuition hike.

The petition highlights the detrimental effects on accessibility to higher education and the propagation of elitism and classism in the academic sphere. It also acknowledges the cultural and intellectual richness that out-of-province students bring to Quebec.

This tuition hike stands at a critical crossroads for Quebec's higher education system and its global standing. The decisions made in the coming months will not only affect the province's language policies, but also its reputation as a centre of affordable and quality education.


Photo caption: Is the future of Quebec's higher education at English Universities at stake? (TF)

Photo credit: Tashi Farmilo