Students’ Livelihood at Stake: NB Holt Administration Proposes $35–50 Million Budget Cut

On February 24th, 2026, the Holt administration proposed a $35–50 million budget cut set for implementation on March 17th for all major New Brunswick universities, which leaves the fates of many students up in the air. 

Budget cuts may lead to a loss of specific specialized courses and programs. If universities must limit students to core courses, students will miss out on multitudinous chances to experiment and grow as people. A $50-million cut would not only limit students academically, but they may lose access to counselling, student health centres, the food bank, and other resources. The Liberal administration also proposed forcing universities to pay property tax, stretching the remaining budget even thinner.

Peter Halpin, the director of the Association of Atlantic Universities stated: 

“The university sector is among the top six export revenue generating sectors in New Brunswick … then if you look at the tax revenue generated by universities, nearly $50 million annually is generated in provincial tax by the four publicly-funded universities … to say they have a significant impact on the economy of New Brunswick is an understatement.”

With secondary education costs already on the rise, students and universities cannot afford for the Holt administration to implement this proposed cut. The administration is also looking to privatize Mount Allison University, and to possibly merge St. Thomas University (STU) with UNB. Holt backtracked on her statements in 2024: “New Brunswick students deserve an education system where they can thrive… the system is underfunded, understaffed and in need of immediate support.”

One year of tuition already costs over $10,000 for domestic students. Cutting universities’ grants by 10% is detrimental, catering only toward those who would not need grants in the first place. 

Sade London, a student at STU, stated:

“Funding New Brunswick’s future generation is in the provincial government’s best interest. Students must mobilize and take care of each other during this time.”

Raising the price of education will limit the potential of future generations, and is not a feasible long term solution. All four major universities in the province are actively participating in discussions regarding this matter, and all students need to come together to reach a consensus.

The President of the University of New Brunswick urged students of the “importance of public investment in these vital institutions at a time of financial uncertainty.” 

UNB’s student union President, Kierra Macalpine stated:  

“In a time where the cost of living is at an all time high, and education is already a huge burden for most students to pay for, a cut to funding will have detrimental effects. The money lost will need to come from somewhere and students will either pay the cost, as they most often do… [There will be a plentiful amount of loss] through cut academic courses or programs, or through cutting resources vital to student success.”

Sign the petition against New Brunswick university budget cuts HERE.