Alberta’s Education Panel Misses Key Opportunity for Transformation

In Alberta, the government invests $6.7 billion annually in higher education. Following the establishment of the Expert Panel on Post-Secondary Institution Funding and Alberta’s Competitiveness last fall, many hoped for innovative approaches to reshape the province’s educational landscape. However, the panel’s recent report has raised concerns by primarily reiterating familiar strategies instead of addressing the systemic issues impacting Alberta’s workforce development.

The report emphasizes that maintaining the status quo will not suffice to meet Alberta’s evolving challenges. It states, “Continuing the status quo — the same historical approach used in the past — will not be sufficient to meet the challenges the province and post-secondary institutions face in the coming years.” This assertion resonates with many who recognize that Alberta’s future prosperity hinges on the ability of its population to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing labor market.

Despite initial optimism, the recommendations put forth by the panel reflect a reliance on traditional solutions, such as expanding work-integrated learning and promoting flexible governance. While these initiatives are beneficial, they fall short of addressing the deeper structural problems within Alberta’s human capital system. A closer examination of the consultation process reveals a significant limitation: of the 36 stakeholders engaged, only two represented external sectors, with the majority being part of the existing educational framework. This narrow focus likely led the panel to conventional solutions rather than innovative alternatives.

Historical examples illustrate the risks of constraining problem definitions. In the 1890s, many carriage manufacturers failed to transition to the automobile era because they perceived their industry solely through the lens of horse-drawn vehicles. Conversely, companies like Opel and Peugeot adapted their strategies to embrace this shift, evolving into successful auto manufacturers. Similarly, when Steve Jobs returned to Apple in 1997, he urged the company to rethink its approach, leading to groundbreaking products like the iPod and iPhone. The contrast with Blockbuster is stark; the video rental giant focused on improving its stores instead of recognizing the shift towards online streaming, ultimately leading to its bankruptcy in 2010.

The lesson is clear: the framing of questions significantly influences the range of possible solutions. Rather than simply asking how to enhance the current post-secondary system, Alberta must consider how to best develop its human capital to meet future challenges. This shift requires a fundamental re-evaluation of the existing educational paradigm.

Public post-secondary institutions currently dominate the market, holding a 90 percent share. Originally designed as natural monopolies in the 19th century, this structure has become increasingly outdated. By the late 20th century, similar monopolistic practices in telecommunications, broadcasting, and air travel hindered innovation, prompting necessary reforms. Alberta’s educational system now finds itself at a comparable crossroads.

Currently, the model serves only about 5 percent of the population at any given time, with completion rates under 60 percent and even lower for apprentices at 47 percent. Employers frequently report widening skills gaps, and Alberta ranks among the leaders in graduate underemployment. The system functions as it was intended, yet the world around it has changed significantly.

To build a future-ready learning system, Alberta must pursue more than incremental adjustments. The expert panel’s acknowledgment that the status quo is insufficient is a step in the right direction, but it calls for a more transformative approach. This moment demands not only a different question but also innovative answers that can redefine the province’s educational landscape.

Stephen Murgatroyd, PhD, a lecturer at the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta, and David Finch, PhD, a professor in the Bissett School of Business at Mount Royal University, emphasize that addressing these challenges requires bold thinking and a willingness to embrace change. Only by reimagining the role of post-secondary education can Alberta hope to meet the demands of the future effectively.