A new vision for post-secondary education
2021-10-26

As part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, the proposed Advanced Education Statutes Amendment Act would make key changes to the preamble of the Post-secondary Learning Act to reflect the important and transformational work happening through the Alberta 2030 initiative. It would also provide the authority to establish the Minister’s Advisory Council on Higher Education and Skills (MACHES), which will be the new strategic advisory council for Alberta’s post-secondary system.

“Alberta 2030 is a transformational plan for our post-secondary system. At its core, the strategy will work to build skills for jobs to ensure that Albertans develop the knowledge and competencies they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. As part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, Bill 74 makes important changes to existing legislation to enshrine the strategic vision of the initiative, and paves the way for phased implementation.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education

The proposed updates to the preamble of the Post-secondary Learning Act will adopt the language and strategic vision set forward by Alberta 2030. This was developed through evidence-based analysis, best practices and the most extensive stakeholder engagement in this sector in 15 years.

The creation of MACHES will establish an advisory body that will provide advice and recommendations on the strategic goals and direction of Alberta’s advanced education system.  

Bill 74 also proposes additional amendments to refine the Post-secondary Learning Act and further align it with Alberta 2030, as well as three amendments to the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act to improve the transition from the outgoing Apprenticeship and Industry Training Act in 2022.