PROVINCE GIVES UNIVERSITIES A $25m COVID BOOST

The province is investing $25 million to help Nova Scotia universities navigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

"We've heard from our universities and we know they are facing new challenges as their operations pivot due to COVID-19," Lena Metlege Diab, advanced education minister, said in a release.

"This funding will address some of those challenges and help meet their immediate needs."

All 10 universities in the province faced unexpected financial challenges for 2020-21, including loss in revenues related to tuition and residence fees.

Institutions have also incurred additional COVID19 related costs around information technology, curriculum development and additional supports for faculty, as well as increased cleaning and other costs associated with public health directives.

Since last March, Nova Scotia's universities and colleges have been working closely with the province to ensure all necessary public health protocols are in place, allowing students to continue receiving quality education in ways that keeps both students and communities safe.

"Since the beginning of the pandemic, universities across Nova Scotia have been working hard to ensure students can continue to learn in safe and positive ways," Bill Lahey, chairman of the Council of Nova Scotia University Presidents, said in the release.

"These changes have presented unexpected financial costs and necessary investments, and this funding will help universities address the impact of those."

The funding is expected to flow to universities in the coming weeks and is based on information provided by the universities on expenses incurred in responding to the pandemic.

Dalhousie University in Halifax will be allotted $9,479,000 in funding, followed by St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish at $3,646,100, Saint Mary's University in Halifax at $2,916,900 and Acadia University in Wolfville, which will receive $2,187,700 in funding and Cape Breton University at $2,187,700.

Three other Halifax universities will receive a boost of more than $1 million — Mount Saint Vincent University ($1,458,400) University of King's College ($1,324,700) and NSCAD University ($1,215,400).

Universite Sainte-anne in Church Point will receive $364,600 in funding and the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax will be provided $218,800.

In December, the province announced a one-time $750 COVID-19 response grant to all recipients of Nova Scotia student assistance in 202021. Some 13,000 post-secondary students will receive that grant to help cover unexpected costs associated with their studies.