The Quebec government is adding another $200 million to its school maintenance budget over the next five years. The top-up, which is in addition to funds already allocated in Quebec’s 10-year infrastructure plan for 2022-32, was announced in the newly released 2023-24 provincial budget.

“Many schools are aging. There is a need to increase the amount of money spent on maintaining the school building inventory,” it acknowledges.

As well, the budget provides $8 million over two years to implement infrastructure management software across the school system. “This tool will provide a clearer picture of the state of the school building inventory and better guide the investment strategy to maintain and improve infrastructure,” the budget document states.

The budget also allocates $100 million over five years to allow post-secondary institutions to lease extra classroom space. This extends a measure introduced in 2022 to address the space shortage on many campuses, and aligns with the budget’s other stated goals to increase enrollment at Quebec’s four medical schools and to draw more French-speaking international students.

The budget promises $20 million per year for each fiscal year from 2023-24 to 2027-28 to underwrite short-term leases in commercial buildings. “As a result, universities will be able to increase student numbers,” it states.