- Total education spending in public schools over the last 10 years increased from $61.5 billion in 2012/13 to $82.5 billion in 2021/22. This represents an increase in nominal spending of 34.1%.
- Per-student spending adjusted for inflation (price changes) increased by 5.1% nationally from 2012/13 to 2021/22.
- The highest inflation-adjusted, per-student spending increases occurred in the provinces of Quebec (33.7%), Prince Edward Island (21.6%), Nova Scotia (12.3%), and British Columbia (6.7%). The data does not differentiate between temporary spending related to COVID-19âwhich may have resulted in children returning to classrooms more quicklyâand ongoing spending.Â
- Three provinces saw declines in inflation-adjusted per-student spendingâAlberta (17.2%), Saskatchewan (14.9%), and Newfoundland & Labrador (9.8%).
- Quebec had the lowest level of per-student spending in public schools in 2012/13 and now has the highest. Prince Edward Island went from ninth in per-student spending to third highest. On the other hand, Saskatchewan went from the highest in per-student spending to seventh, and Alberta went from third highest to tenth (lowest).
- Even though British Columbia recorded the fourth-highest growth in adjusted per-student spending, it still ranks eighth in per-student spending in Canada.
- Student enrolment across Canada increased by an average of 5.1% from 2012/13 to 2021/22. Three provinces saw a decrease in enrolment: Newfoundland & Labrador (5.8%), New Brunswick (1.8%), and Ontario (0.1%).
- Compensation remains the largest and costliest aspect of education spending and has contributed the largest portion to the growth of total education spending in Canada.
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Table of Contents
- Executive Summary 5
- Introduction 7
- Education Spending and Enrolment in Public Schools 8
- Understanding the Increases in Education Spending 19
- Conclusion 27
- Appendix: Allocation of Spending by Province 28
- References 33
- About the Authors 35
- Acknowledgments 35
- Publishing Information 36
- About the Fraser Institute 37
- Editorial Advisory Board 38
