University Teachers Criticize Federal Budget 2026 for Lacking Student Support

David Robinson, executive director of the Canadian Association of University Teachers, commented on the federal budget in Ottawa on November 6, 2026. He stated that while the budget recognizes post-secondary institutions as drivers of prosperity, it contains no new measures for students or academic staff. The budget does include temporary increases to Employment Insurance benefit weeks for apprentices and renews the Post-Secondary Student Support Program for Indigenous students.

Robinson noted that tuition has risen faster than inflation, averaging $9,000 annually for undergraduate students, while the maximum student grant has not increased past $4,200. He cited that over 15,000 post-secondary jobs have been lost and more than 600 programs have been cut since December 2025.