The governing council of the University College of the North (UCN) approved a final 2024-25 budget April 25 that “will result in a deficit of $4,630,624 above total budgeted revenues, arising from the ratification of the new collective agreement, UCN said today.
UCN and the Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union (MGEU) recently approved a four-year contract that calls for general wage increases and a special adjustment totaling 13.75 per cent over the four years. As of April 1, 8.25 per cent of the 13.75 increase is in effect. Signing bonuses ranged from $600 to $1,800 have been paid, and retroactive pay back to April 1, 2022 is to be paid out this month. The contract expires March 31, 2026.
According to the 2024 funding letter from Renée Cable, NDP Minister of Advanced Education and Training, UCN will receive $41,027,765, including a two per increase from last year’s amount of $37,385,087. “This year’s budgeted expenditures will result in a deficit of $4,630,624 above total budgeted revenues, arising from the ratification of the new collective agreement. However, the provincial government has provided additional funds to address similar circumstances in other Post-Secondary institutions. UCN is also anticipating slippage from unfilled positions to help offset the projected deficit.”
UCN has 2,026 students, with 716 in The Pas, 560 in Thompson, and 749 at regional centres.
UCN is the successor of Keewatin Community College as the main post-secondary education institution in Northern Manitoba. Keewatin Community College was established in 1966. Its Thompson campus was created in the early 1980s.
The University College of the North came into existence on June 10, 2004 when the University College of the North Act received royal assent. Keewatin Community College, as established by Section 2 of the Colleges Establishment Regulation, Manitoba Regulation 39/93, was continued as the university college.
From the outset, UCN was set up to provide “post-secondary education in a culturally sensitive and collaborative manner” that “is fundamental to the social and economic development of Northern Manitoba.”
UCN has the power to grant degrees, honourary degrees, certificates and diplomas.
The act also stipulates “post-secondary education in Northern Manitoba should be learner and community centered and characterized by a culture of openness, inclusiveness and tolerance and respectful of aboriginal and Northern values and beliefs.”
You can also follow me on X (formerly Twitter) at: https://twitter.com/jwbarker22
soundingsjohnbarker 