Confederation College is urging the Ontario Liberals to boost funding for post-secondary institutions.
Spokesperson Ken Adams told a provincial finance standing committee Monday that they are forecasting a $9 to $11 million deficit in the 2018-2019 budget year.
Adams says they’ve seen a decrease in students from the region enrolling and that has reduced tuition fees and provincial operating grant revenue.
He adds they need additional funds to improve their aging building in Thunder Bay.
Adams points out that deferred maintenance costs currently stands at $95-million.
He adds an increase in the minimum wage is going to hinder day-to-day operations at the school.
Adams says the impact will be $8-million effective April 1st, or 10% of their current operating budget.
He stresses the impact is overwhelming for a college their size.
