The University of Alberta Graduate Students’ Association (GSA), alongside student unions and post-secondary leaders across Alberta, has successfully advocated for key exemptions under the Provincial Priorities Act (PPA)—formerly known as Bill 18—which will take effect on April 1, 2025.
The PPA requires Alberta’s public institutions to receive provincial approval before entering agreements with the federal government, raising concerns about its potential impact on research funding, student programming, and institutional autonomy. Through collective advocacy efforts, including direct engagement with Advanced Education Minister Rajan Sawhney, the Government of Alberta has now confirmed several exemptions for post-secondary institutions. These include:
- Research-focused agreements
- Agreements supporting student employment, work experience, official languages, non-instructional events, and instructional programming
- Fee-for-service contracts, short-term facility leases, and rental agreements
- Agreements with the Banff Centre
- Federal funding agreements under $100,000, as well as minor amendments and extensions
These exemptions reflect ongoing advocacy from Alberta’s post-secondary student associations and university leadership, who have consistently raised concerns about how the PPA could impact federal research funding and support for essential academic initiatives.
The GSA, alongside other graduate student associations in Alberta, has been actively engaged in discussions with the province to ensure that federal support for research and student programs remains protected.
While the GSA welcomes these exemptions, we remain committed to monitoring the implementation of the PPA regulations and advocating for transparency in reporting requirements. Further details on how this will impact post-secondary institutions in Alberta are still forthcoming.
