Date: April 14, 2025
RE: Provincial Budget 2025
Budget 2025 marks an important shift for Memorial University, and it is a shift that came because we stood together.
For the first time in over a decade, Memorial is not facing a provincial funding cut. Since 2013-14, the University has experienced reductions to its funding in various forms. This year, the government has paused a $13.68 million reduction to our operating budget (announced in 2021) and forgiven $70 million of the Core Science Facility loan. Together, that means the University gains roughly $18.9 million in new financial space. This is a real result. And let’s be honest: it would not have happened without pressure from our campus community.
Thanks, Campus Coalition. Thanks #FundMun.
The coalition of students, staff, and faculty that came together through the #FundMUN campaign helped break the cycle of austerity. That momentum made it harder for the government to continue with planned cuts and helped secure partial relief for our crumbling infrastructure.
Of course, there is still a long way to go. The deferred maintenance backlog at Memorial remains at $481 million, and the loan forgiveness, while welcome, is not a new investment. It doesn’t fix unsafe labs or improve infrastructure in classrooms. It’s a start, but only that.
The proposed $70 million loan forgiveness over the next eight years will not come close to covering the cost of deferred maintenance at Memorial, considering currently, $12.1 million is needed annually to offset inflation alone. Operating at this level of funding means it will take decades to restore the University to the standards outlined in the Auditor General’s report.
It’s equally important to emphasize that the next steps in our advocacy are just as critical as the progress we’ve made. With an imminent Provincial Election in Newfoundland and Labrador and education identified as a government priority in the 2025 Budget, this is a critical moment to build on our momentum and advocate for sustained, increased investment in our post-secondary institutions.
The upcoming leadership transition at Memorial also presents an important opportunity for faculty to shape the university’s direction over the next five years, both financially and institutionally.
Memorial now has greater flexibility in its budget, and we must ensure that funding is directed where it is needed most: toward academic programs, enhanced student resources, well-maintained classrooms, and smaller, more manageable class sizes. As the province’s only University, Memorial has a responsibility to serve the people of Newfoundland and Labrador with excellence. Our students and communities deserve better. That’s why we’re calling on the administration to ensure transparency and accountability in how these funds are allocated.
This is a moment worth recognizing. For years, we’ve been managing cuts. This year, we stopped one. That matters.
Let’s keep pushing. Let’s keep organizing. And let’s keep showing that when we speak together, we can change the future of our University.
In solidarity,
Ash Hossain
President, MUNFA
-o-
For Media Inquiries, please contact:
Jawad Chowdhury, MUNFA Organizing, Membership Engagement and Communications Coordinator
Membership.munfa@mun.ca or (709)-351-2635.
