The University of Lethbridge Students' Union will host Public Interest Alberta today at noon as they present "Don't Cut Us Out", an event discussing funding cuts to post-secondary education.

Public Interest Alberta launched "Don't Cut Us Out," as a province-wide campaign. Tuesday's event will feature speakers representing the Students' Union, the University of Lethbridge Faculty Association, the Graduate Students' Association and the University of Lethbridge.

They contend that Alberta's future largely depends on post-secondary education; it enriches our economy, makes our society healthier and more vibrant and it helps to solve the problems affecting our environment. Investing in post-secondary education will make Alberta strong and prosperous.

"The Government of Alberta has a great opportunity to boost Alberta's economic and social development through post-secondary education," says Alex Massé, Vice President of the University of Lethbridge Students' Union. "We are deeply concerned that recent provincial funding decisions will jeopardize that development by forcing our post-secondary institutions to sacrifice either access or quality."

Although the need for post-secondary education is greater than ever, provincial funding for the University of Lethbridge will see, at best, a zero per cent increase in the years 2010 to 2012. This loss in funding will be felt throughout the institution, and has forced the University to consider eliminating staff, faculty and services. The Alberta Government has the power to increase post-secondary education funding by prioritizing this grand investment.

For more information on the Tuesday event, contact Alex Massé at 403-329-2222 or e-mail su.academic@uleth.ca.